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BLUECONNECT
Providers
December 2023
In This Issue
► December news: Executive summary
► 5 accepted ways to identify our members
► See our member ID prefix updates for 2024
► New program facilitates accurate coding
► Preview the 2024 Provider Op Guide
► New! Retail discounts for 90-day prescriptions
Check out this AZ resource
for promoting mental health
December news: Executive summary
Wishing you a happy holiday season from all of us at AZ Blue
Updates for your teams
Available now: 2024 AZ Blue Provider Operating Guide
You can review the changes and access topic sections. Take a quick look at the highlights.
Looking for the 2024 member ID prefix list?
You can preview the 2024 prefix list now! Get the list and review the changes in our prefix updates article. 
See what’s new in our 2024 product offerings
• Affordable Care Act (ACA) plans and networks – Overview
• ACA StandardHealth with Health Choice (PCP-HMO plan) – Introduction
• Medicare Advantage plans and networks – Overview
• Prosano plans and networks – Overview
We’re launching a Coding Advisor program in 2024
This educational program facilitates more accurate coding for certain types of services. Learn more. 
Recently revised: 2024 Medicare Advantage (MA) Part B Step Therapy policy
Be sure to review the updated 2024 MA Part B Step Therapy policy effective January 1, 2024 (includes new requirements for hyaluronic acid injections for osteoarthritis of the knee).
PCP referrals to specialists: AZ Blue approval no longer required
For PCP-HMO plans, we no longer require AZ Blue approval for PCP referrals. For 2024, the only commercial plan that will require PCP referrals for specialist office visits is the ACA StandardHealth with Health Choice plan. In-network referral information should be included on the claim. If the patient needs care from an out-of-network specialist, you must request prior authorization to ensure coverage.
Our Gold Card prior authorization program is growing 
Each month, we’re adding more providers to the program. Find out how to qualify—visit our Gold Card information webpage.
Help make behavioral health a routine part of whole person care
Join us in reducing stigma around behavioral health care by taking the Stigma-Free AZ Pledge. 
Grants available from ADHS to integrate behavioral health into primary care practices
With the goal of integrating behavioral health care into primary care settings, the ADHS Bureau of Women’s and Children’s Health (BWCH) administers the Collaborative Care Uptake Fund Program. The program supports primary care providers and technical assistance centers to implement evidence-based Collaborative Care Models (CoCM). Applications are due December 27, 2023, for the following grants:
1. PCP practices with 50 or less employees, to meet initial costs of establishing and delivering behavioral health integration services through the CoCM: $50,000 grant – SEE DETAILS AND APPLY
2. Technical Assistance Centers, established to provide technical assistance to PCPs in providing services through the CoCM: $200,000 grant – SEE DETAILS AND APPLY
CEU opportunities (at no cost)
1. This complimentary American College of Lifestyle Medicine (ACLM) course (5.5 CME/CE credits) can help you empower patients to make lifestyle changes that can prevent, treat, and even reverse the progression of chronic disease. Learn more and register for the “Essentials” course (use promo code ESS-BCBSAZ).
2. The Mountain ECHO Academy virtual “all-teach, all-learn” educational sessions are held on the first, second, and third Monday of the month, through May 2024 (one CEU per session).
Substance Use Disorders – first Mondays, noon-1 p.m.
Trauma in Children – second Mondays, noon-1 p.m.
Social Determinants of Health – third Mondays, noon-1 p.m.
REGISTER at Mountain ECHO – BCBSAZ Health Choice (healthchoiceaz.com).
3. For behavioral health providers: The American Diabetes Association® is offering CEU opportunities for behavioral health providers who work with patients living with or at high risk for diabetes. Learn more and REGISTER NOW.
AZ Blue provider portal tips
• Checking eligibility and benefits: Use the member ID prefix that is valid for the date of service. Alternatively, you can use the “Name” search option. Check out our prefix article for more information.
• Accessing online remits: Using a narrower date range (within the same calendar year) can optimize your search results. 
For more information about these updates, contact us at 602-864-4231 or 1-800-232-2345, ext. 4231, or reach out to your Provider Relations Contact. 
In This Issue
► December news: Executive summary
► 5 accepted ways to identify our members
► See our member ID prefix updates for 2024
► New program facilitates accurate coding
► Preview the 2024 Provider Op Guide
► New! Improved discounts for 90-day prescriptions
Check out this AZ resource
for promoting mental health
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