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For Providers
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January 2026 |
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JANUARY SPOTLIGHT |
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See Changes to Prior Authorization for Medicare Advantage
Effective Jan. 1, 2026, we’ll review prior authorization requests for certain care categories that previously were reviewed by EviCore healthcare. Learn what’s changing.
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BEHAVIORAL HEALTH |
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BlueApprovRSM To Accept Concurrent Reviews and Extensions for Behavioral Health Services
We’ll soon expand the capabilities of BlueApprovR, our utilization management tool integrated with Availity® Essentials, to further expedite approvals for behavioral health services. Learn how to attend a training.
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CLAIMS AND ELIGIBILITY |
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See Changes to Coverage for Breast Cancer Screening
We’re updating coverage for certain commercial members to align with federal guidance, effective Jan. 1, 2026.
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Enhanced Diagnosis Claim Edits To Follow CMS Guidelines
Effective March 1, 2026, we’ll enhance our claims editing process for many commercial members to help ensure accurate coding and proper reimbursement of services.
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Use Proper Coding for Evaluation and Management Services, Modifiers and Oncology Drugs and Services
Effective March 1, 2026, we’ll enhance our claims editing and review process for Medicare claims to monitor the proper use of evaluation and management coding, oncology drugs and services coding, and Modifiers 25 and 59.
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CLINICAL RESOURCES |
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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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EDUCATION |
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Explore Learning Opportunities
We offer free training for providers who participate in our networks. Review and sign up for sessions.
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MEDICARE |
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Update Your Records for New Members of Blue Cross Group Medicare Advantage Open Access (PPO)SM
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 |
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Provide Medical Records To Support Quality Care
You may receive requests in 2026 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 these members:
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• Federal Employee Program®
• Medicare Advantage
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Review Changes to Our Annual National Drug Code Fee Schedule, Impact and Timeline
We review our NDC Fee Schedule on an annual and periodic basis. Reimbursement rates for some medications may change because of this review.
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Big Sky Pulmonary Conference Set for March 5‑6, 2026
This annual event highlights methods to combat respiratory disease and associated risk factors.
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PHARMACY |
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Specialty Pharmacy Network Expands for Some Commercial Members
We’ve engaged with Prime Therapeutics LLC to launch Pharmacy Match, a program that expands the specialty pharmacy network and matches members with qualified specialty and complex care pharmacies.
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STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS |
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Learn About Updates to Coding and Compensation Policies
We regularly add and modify coding and compensation policies as part of our ongoing policy review. See which policies were updated.
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Review Active and Pending Medical Policies
Approved new or revised medical policies and their effective dates are usually posted on our website the first and 15th of each month. 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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Contact Us
Contact information for Network Representatives and other resources is on our website.
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HEDIS is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
EviCore Healthcare (EviCore) is an independent company that has contracted with BCBSMT to provide utilization management for members with coverage through BCBSMT.
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Montana, a Division of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company, an Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association
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3645 Alice St., Helena, MT 59601
© 2026 Health Care Service Corporation. All Rights Reserved.
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