Blue Review

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Montana
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Blue Review

For Providers

January 2025

 

JANUARY SPOTLIGHT

PEAQSM Program Adds New Specialties for Cost Efficiency Analysis

As of Jan. 1, 2025, the Physician Efficiency, Appropriateness, & QualitySM program includes 23 new specialties for the cost efficiency component. Learn how this change affects what members see when searching for information on Provider Finder®.

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CLAIMS AND ELIGIBILITY

Remind Billing Agencies to Correctly Submit Claim Review Requests

Agencies may submit requests using our claim review form or, for faster processing, submit requests electronically through Availity® Essentials. Learn tips on how to complete submissions and avoid returned requests.

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ClaimsXtenTM Quarterly Update

We’ll implement first quarter code updates for the ClaimsXten auditing tool on or after March 17, 2025.

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Prior Authorization Changes

Effective April 1, 2025, prior authorization requirements are changing to reflect new, replaced or removed codes. Learn about the changes for commercial members and Medicare Advantage and Healthy Montana Kids members.

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CLINICAL RESOURCES

Medical Records Needed to Support Quality Care

You may receive requests in 2025 for our members’ medical records. We collect data for Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) measures to track quality of care. Learn how you can help by promptly providing complete records for Federal Employee Program® and Medicare Advantage members.


Follow‑Up Care Is Recommended for Children Prescribed ADHD Medication

Attention‑deficit/hyperactivity disorder is one of the most common behavioral health disorders affecting children. To support quality care, we gather data on follow‑up visits for children using ADHD medication.

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Remind Our Members About Cervical and Breast Cancer Screenings

Regular screening tests can help detect cancer early when it’s easier to treat. Learn about documenting these screenings in members’ medical records and other tips to close gaps in care.

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EDUCATION

New Gene Therapy Solutions Helps Monitor Results

We launched gene therapy solutions on Jan. 1, 2025, to support access to care while protecting against high treatment costs for our commercial group members. To help track clinical outcomes, we may ask you for information about the effectiveness of gene therapy treatments prescribed for our members.

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MEDICARE

New Part D Quality Measures Track High‑Risk Medication Combinations

The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services added two quality measures to its Star Ratings for Medicare prescription drug plans. Learn more about the measures and the risks of concurrent use.

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Medicare Providers May Treat Members of Blue Cross Group Medicare Advantage Open Access (PPO)SM

This open access, national PPO plan is for retirees of employer groups. If you’re a Medicare provider, you may treat these members even if you don’t participate in our Medicare Advantage or other networks.

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NETWORK PARTICIPATION

Ensure Your Office Is Providing Your Most Current Information

When seeking care, our members may contact your office or search our online Provider Finder for information such as your appointment availability for new patients. Learn how to ensure our members can access the most up‑to‑date information.

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Keep Your Contact Information Updated to Receive Recredentialing Reminders

Providers credentialed with us are required to recredential every three years. Keep your information updated with us and the Council for Affordable Quality Healthcare to receive reminders and ensure we’re able to obtain your recredentialing application with CAQH.

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PHARMACY

Learn About Our 2025 National Drug Code Fee Schedule Impact and Timeline

Log in to Availity Essentials on or after Jan. 15, 2025, to view any reimbursement changes from the updated fee schedule.

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STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS

Coding and Compensation Policy Updates

You can access new or revised clinical payment and coding policies in Availity Essentials through the Plan Documents Viewer application, in the category Coding and Compensation Policies. These policies provide billing, coding and documentation guidelines. Visit Availity regularly to ensure you’re up to date on any changes or new policies.


Medical Policy Updates

Approved new or revised medical policies and their effective dates are usually posted on our website the first and 15th of each month under the Standards and Requirements tab. You can view all active and pending policies, as well as draft medical policies, and provide comments on draft policies. These policies may impact your reimbursement and your patients’ benefits.

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Stay Informed

Watch News and Updates and this newsletter. Our provider website has information on training, online tools and other resources.

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Verify Your Directory Details Every 90 Days

Your directory information must be verified every 90 days. It’s easy and quick to get it done for all health plans in Availity Essentials leaving site icon, or you can use our Demographic Change Form. Learn more.

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Contact Us

Contact information for Network Representatives and other resources is on our website.

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bcbsmt.com/provider
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