AZ Blue Quick Transfer Program - Provider Newsletter February 2025

BLUECONNECT

Providers

February 2025

In This Issue

►	February News: Executive Summary

►	Medicare Advantage Plans - Info

►	Remits on Availity provider portal

►	HEDIS reporting overview for 2025

►	April 1: Quarterly drug fee schedule updates

►	2025 Prefix Replacement Tips

►	SNF Quick Transfer Program

Making It Easy: AZ Blue Quick Transfer Program

We’re happy to announce the launch of our quick transfer program this month. The program streamlines patient transfers from acute care facilities to skilled nursing facilities (SNFs).

Thanks to everyone who helped develop the program, including our network hospitals and SNFs, and the Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association!

About the quick transfer process

Our quick transfer program applies to members with most AZ Blue commercial benefit plans and the Medicare Advantage plans we administer. It doesn’t include transfers to extended acute rehab facilities or long-term acute care hospitals.

Here’s how the process works:

1.	The hospital and the receiving SNF must be in-network for the patient’s benefit plan.
2.	The hospital and/or SNF check the MCG Care Guidelines to see if the patient’s condition qualifies for a SNF stay. They also check to see if the patient’s plan is eligible for a quick transfer.
3.	The hospital or SNF contacts AZ Blue (24/7) to request the transfer authorization.
4.	AZ Blue authorizes the SNF admission and a stay of up to five days.
5.	The SNF prepares for the initial and ongoing concurrent reviews.
6.	If a continued stay becomes necessary, the SNF requests authorization and collaborates with the patient’s AZ Blue care managers to conduct ongoing reviews.

Questions?

If you have questions about our quick transfer program, feel free to reach out to us at UtilMgmt@azblue.com.

In This Issue

►	February News: Executive Summary

►	Medicare Advantage Plans - Info

►	Remits on Availity provider portal

►	HEDIS reporting overview for 2025

►	April 1: Quarterly drug fee schedule updates

►	2025 Prefix Replacement Tips

►	SNF Quick Transfer Program

Blue Cross, Blue Shield, the Cross and Shield Symbols, are registered service marks of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans.

© 2025 Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona, Inc. All rights reserved.

To add email addresses to our communication distribution list, reach out to your assigned Provider Relations Contact.

DISCLAIMER | PRIVACY POLICY | AZBLUE.COM