October 2016

Upcoming Provider Trainings

We invite you to participate in upcoming STAR Kids provider trainings. Our trainings provide information and resources to fully engage our provider community with STAR Kids. The training schedule is below, and we ask that you RSVP by the deadline.

New! If you’re not able to attend any of the trainings below, the STAR Kids Provider Training is available for completion via Brainshark – at your own pace, date and time.

STAR Kids Provider Training
Oct. 6, 2016 (Travis Service Area)
Seton Highland Lakes Business Office Conference Room
309 Industrial Blvd
Burnet, TX 78611
RSVP deadline: Oct. 4 by 5 p.m.

RSVP

STAR Kids Provider Training
Oct. 11, 2016 (Webinar)
RSVP deadline: Oct. 10 by noon

RSVP

STAR Kids Provider Training
Oct. 13, 2016 (Medicaid Rural Service Area Central)
La Fiesta Restaurant & Cantina
3815 Franklin Ave
Waco, TX 76710
RSVP deadline: Oct. 11 by 5 p.m.

RSVP

STAR Kids Provider Training
Oct. 18, 2016 (Webinar)
RSVP deadline: Oct. 17 by noon

RSVP

STAR Kids Provider Training
Oct. 21, 2016 (Travis Service Area)
First National Bank
489 Highway 71 West
Bastrop, TX 78602
RSVP deadline: Oct. 19 by 5 p.m.

RSVP

STAR Kids Provider Training
Oct. 25, 2016 (Webinar)
RSVP deadline: Oct. 24 by noon

RSVP

Taxonomy Numbers Are Now Required on All Claim Submissions

Learn about the new taxonomy number requirements for the CMS-1500 and UB-04 forms. Our mailing, and complaints and appeals addresses are included.

Building on the Foundation: From Patient History to Physical Exam

In September, we reported on the importance of getting a patient’s medical history. This month we discuss the importance of the physical exam. Review the components of an unclothed physical exam, including measurements and sensory screenings.

Texas Vendor Drug Program Approved Flu Vaccines

The AAP released a policy statement in Pediatrics on Sept. 7 recommending that all children ages 6 months and older receive inactivated influenza vaccines instead of the FluMist quadrivalent live attenuated influenza vaccine this flu season. Interim guidance from the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices warned against LAIV4 for children and adults due to its poor effectiveness during the last three flu seasons. The AAP statement also urged all pregnant women and health care personnel to receive flu shots. BCBSTX will not pay for FluMist or its administration.

Synagis Season Is Here

Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) season is here. For the 2016-17 season, BCBSTX Medicaid and CHIP will be following the schedule recommendations of the Texas Pediatric Society (TPS) Infectious Disease Committee/RSV Task Group, which are the 2014 American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) recommendations. The Task Group has reviewed more than 10 years of epidemiologic data and recommends the period for prophylaxis in the Travis Service Area to be from Oct. 15, 2016, to March 31, 2017, using the 2014 AAP recommendations. As we will allow a maximum of five injections of Synagis during the season, it is important to be aware of the current epidemiology.

News & Updates

For the most up-to-date information, view the News & Updates section of the BCBSTX provider website.

Link to BCBSTX Medicaid Website

On this website, you will find links to the provider manual, Quick Reference Guide, services requiring prior authorization and other useful information.

Contact Us

Provider Customer Service: 877-560-8055, Monday - Friday, 8 a.m. - 8 p.m. CT

For general questions and concerns, contact the BCBSTX Medicaid Provider Network Management department:
Email: TexasMedicaidNetworkDepartment@bcbstx.com
Phone: 855-212-1615
Fax: 512-349-4848

For member outreach inquiries, BCBSTX Medicaid (STAR) and CHIP members may contact Sonia Saenz, Senior Outreach Specialist/Member Advocate, sonia_saenz@bcbstx.com, 512-349-4883. If the member is unable to reach Sonia, please contact Consuelo Izquierdo, chelo_izquierdo@bcbstx.com, 512-349-4887.

For BCBSTX Medicaid (STAR) and CHIP quality inquiries, please contact Kathleen Thompson, Manager Medicaid Quality, kathleen_thompson@bcbstx.com, 512-349-4836.