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BlueLink Newsletter

CareFirst's bimonthly administrative provider newsletter for participating practitioners and their office staff.

2023

Newsletter	Month	Highlights
	December	Learn About the CareFirst Claim and Enrollment System Migration Review the Latest Utilization Management Changes—Effective January 1, 2024 Check out the Latest Prior Authorization Entry Information and Best Practices Important Information if you Utilize a Third-Party Billing Company Are Languages You Offer, including American Sign Language, Listed in Our Provider Directory? If Not, Add Them Today! Virtual Care Consolidation, CloseKnit Expansion Update Review Upcoming Additions and Changes to our Payment Policy Database Medications Added to Prior Authorization List—Effective January 1, 2024 Medical Preferred Drug Strategy Update—January 1, 2024 Skilled Nursing Facilities and Hospice Providers—Enter Your Authorizations Electronically Need to Update your Tax ID, Practice Address, Phone Number, etc.? Here’s How! Review the Latest Changes to the Medical Provider Manual Check Out the Provider Profile Score On-Demand Training The Latest Resources on the Learning and Engagement Center Stay Connected with the Latest Information from CareFirst Effective Dates, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT^®) Codes and Policy Updates Are You Up to Date on Best Practices and Quality Standards? Plan Design Changes for Hair Prosthesis Benefits Plan Design Changes for Diagnostic and Supplemental Breast Cancer Screenings and Enhanced Lung Cancer Imaging and Screenings Plan Design Changes for Maryland Biomarker Testing D.C. Lowers Cost-Share for Certain Pediatric Mental Health Benefits Virginia Law Requires Coverage Updates for Hearing Aids, Related Services for Minors Important: Mandatory Model of Care Training Attestation is Due Stay in Control of Your Data—Need to Update your Address, Phone Number, NPI, etc.? Holiday Closings
	October	Helpful Tips for Claims Submissions Reminders About Global Surgical Care How to Bill for CPAP Supplies Check Out the Latest Prior Authorization Entry Best Practices Review the Upcoming Addition to our Payment Policy Database Reminder for Skilled Nursing Facilities and Hospice Providers! Reminder: Genetic Testing Post Claim Clinical Appropriateness Review Has Been Removed Clarification: Update to BlueChoice Advantage Insurance Type Indicator in CareFirst Direct Need to Update Your Tax ID, Practice Address, Phone Number, etc.? Here’s How! New Resources About Lower Back Pain Now Available Check out the Learning and Engagement Center’s New Resources Review the Latest Changes to the Medical Provider Manual Stay Connected with the Latest Information from CareFirst Effective Dates, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT®) Codes and Policy Updates Are You Up to Date on Best Practices and Quality Standards? Pharmacy Prior Authorization Updates Complete the Required Model of Care Training Course for 2023 Today! Stay in Control of Your Data—Need to Update Your Address, Phone Number, NPI, etc.? Events Holidays
	August	Federal Employee Program Update: Changes to Mother and Baby Billing Guidelines Reminder: Review and Respond to Medical Retrieval Requests Reminder: Certain Allegany County Members to Change Plans Effectively June 1, 2023 Update on Audio Only Care and Reminder on Telemedicine Options Gender Services Support Available for Members CareFirst Members with Exclusive Provider Network Plans Skilled Nursing Facilities and Hospice Providers—Minimize Prior Authorization Calls with our Authorization System Provider Data Accuracy—Is Your Information Accurate? Coming Soon! CareFirst’s Provider Satisfaction Survey Learning and Engagement Center’s New Resources Review the Latest Changes to the Medical Provider Manual Stay Connected with the Latest Information from CareFirst Effective Dates, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT^®) Codes and Policy Updates for December Are You Up to Date on Best Practices and Quality Standards? Mark Your Calendars Holiday Closing
	June	Review the Latest Timelines for Prior Authorizations Prior Authorization Best Practice—Attach Clinicals When Submitting On-Line Requests! Reminder: Review and Respond to Medical Retrieval Requests New Healthcare Spending Account (HSA) Indicator Added to CareFirst Direct Register Your Patients for Case Management Direct Scheduling and Care Coordination for Drug and Alcohol Treatment Review the Upcoming Addition to our Payment Policy Database Quick Tips for Accurate Claims Submission Provider Data Accuracy—Can your Current and Future Patients Find You? Check out the New Resources on the Learning and Engagement Center Are You Looking for Training Support? Review Changes to the CareFirst Provider Manual Stay Connected with the Latest Information with CareFirst Are You Accepting New Patients…or Not? Effective Dates, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT^®) Codes and Policy Updates Are You Up to Date on Best Practices and Quality Standards? Updates on Prior Authorization for Outpatient Services for CareFirst CHPMD Review the Latest Maternal Health Benefits for CHPMD Complete the Required Model of Care Training Course for 2023 Today! Register Now for Quarterly Webinars CareFirst Office Holiday Closings
	April	Need to Find a Phone Number? Take Advantage of our Self-Service Tools for Common Requests Reminder: Review and Respond to Medical Retrieval Requests Stay in Control with your Data with our Self-Service Tool Transplant Codes Now Require Prior Authorization Attended Sleep Study Prior Authorization Update Medications Added to Prior Authorization and Site of Care Management Lists—Effective July 1, 2023 Medical Preferred Drug Strategy Update: July 1, 2023 Hypertension Virtual Care Pilot Ending May 31 CAHPS^® On-Demand Course Now Available New Features Added to the Learning and Engagement Center Important Reminders for BlueChoice Advantage with PPO Overlay Members Reminder: UM Strategy for MD ER Admissions Effective May 1, 2023 Important reminder: Genetic Testing Requires Prior Authorization Effective Dates, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT^®) Codes and Policy Updates Are You Up to Date on Best Practices and Quality Standards? Register Now for Quarterly Webinars CareFirst Office Holiday Closings
	February	Atlas Systems Outreach to Providers New Strategy for ER Inpatient Admissions in Maryland Hospitals Durable Medical Equipment Codes Added to Prior Authorization New Policies Added to the Provider Payment Policy Database Authorization Updates for FEP and State of Maryland Members What is CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield Group Advantage PPO? Connecting Maryland-Based Primary Care Providers to Free for-Credit Resources Complete the Required Model of Care Training Course for 2023 Today! Stay in Control of Your Data with Our Self-Service Tool CareFirst’s Care Management Updates – Effective January 1, 2023 Evaluation and Management Services in Conjunction with Immunizations Genetic Testing – AIM Changes Its Name What is New on the Learning and Engagement Center? Medicare Advantage HMO Providers – Are you Referring In-Network? Have a Question About Your Claim? Here is How to Get Answers CareFirst’s Engagement Center is Now Available for Your Patients Neighbor Ride – Driving Our Howard County Community Stay Connected with the Latest Information from CareFirst Effective Dates, Current Procedural Terminology (CPT^®) Codes and Policy Updates Register Now Holiday Closing