Past Issues

The May 23, 2007, deadline is fast approaching. A National Provider Identifier (NPI) will be required on all claims sent on or after that date as required by federal regulation. Because it takes approximately 120 days to do the work needed to use your NPI once you obtain it, applying for your NPI now is crucial if you have not already done so.

Save time when ordering laboratory tests. If you are a current Care360™ Physician Portal user, you can order tests online from Quest Diagnostics when referring a patient to a Quest Diagnostics Patient Service Center.

National Patient Safety Awareness Week is March 4 - 10, 2007. Everyone has a role in making health care safe.

Physicians and providers can now access Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) formularies through Epocrates, the leading mobile and online drug reference guide.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) has enhanced its disease management program, extending the number of conditions for which health information and decision support will be available.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida’s HMO subsidiary, Health Options, has streamlined its authorization process by eliminating referrals from participating Health Options physicians to other Health Options physicians.

Here’s a coding tip when billing for bilateral surgical procedures. Report the appropriate code for the first bilateral surgical procedures.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida’s HMO network, Health Options, includes not only BlueCare and BlueMedicare HMO members but also members of Capital Health Plan (CHP).

Coming in phases during the second quarter you’ll be able to request and receive through the Availity^®1 Health Information Network more specific eligibility and benefits information.

The BlueCard^® Program offers members of any Blue Plan the advantage of accessing providers and receiving health care services applicable under their home plan while in another Blue Plan’s service area.

The National Guideline Clearinghouse™ published the 2006 update of the American Society of Clinical Oncology’s breast cancer follow-up and management guidelines in the adjuvant setting.

The Advisory Committee for Immunization Practices (ACIP) updated its recommended childhood and adolescent immunization schedule for 2007.

Screening for colon cancer should be a part of routine care for all adults starting at age 50 years, especially for individuals with first-degree relatives with colorectal cancer.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida’s HMO subsidiary, Health Options, will conduct its 2007 Health Plan Employer Data and Information Set (HEDIS^®) study in physicians’ offices between March and May 2007.

Currently, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) file is unable to distinguish between Medicare Advantage HMO coverage and enrollment in a non-network Medicare Advantage private fee-for-service (PFFS) benefit plan. Medicare Advantage is the program alternative to standard Medicare Part A and Part B coverage generally referred to as original Medicare and includes a variety of product types.

We look forward to seeing you at a BlueNews Seminar! These education sessions are a great way for administrators, office managers and other provider staff to learn about Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida (BCBSF) programs and processes.

Approximately 1.7 million new BlueOptions^SM and BlueChoice^® (PPO) member ID cards featuring a magnetic stripe will be distributed statewide starting in early April.

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida, Inc. (BCBSF) and Health Options have expanded their Specialty Pharmacy Program to include Accredo Health Group, Inc.

Additions to Options 1, 2 and 3.

Use the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Florida Medication Guide when prescribing medication for individual and group members under age 65.