PCP referral approvals are not required at this time 
For PCP-HMO plans, Blue Cross^® Blue Shield^® of Arizona (BCBSAZ) is still waiving the requirement that PCPs obtain approval for specialist referrals. Please continue to make in-network referrals for specialist office visits. We will let you know when BCBSAZ approval for such referrals is once again required. See the article in this edition to learn more.

End of COVID-19 public health emergency
Although the COVID-19 public health emergency officially ended on April 10, we’ll be resuming pre-pandemic review processes and requirements on May 12, 2023. For details, see the notes in the updated table of emergency measures.

Additional drugs now require a site-of-service review 
Starting May 1, more drugs will require a site-of-service review as part of the prior authorization process. See the article in this edition for more information.

24/7 assistance for urgent issues and transfers from acute to post-acute care facilities
Our prior authorization phone team is available 24/7 for urgent issues and transfers from acute to post-acute care facilities. See the revised prior auth requests – quick guide for details. You can download this one-page reference guide at azblue.com/precert.

Code edit and pricing policy updates with May effective dates 
In May, we will update our code edits and pricing policies for lab panel billing, discharge services billing, and cardiology and ophthalmology multiple procedure processing. Be sure to read the article in this edition for details.