December 2016
Reminder: Phone System Update for Eligibility and Benefits
With the addition of several benefit categories to the Interactive Voice Response phone system, the option for agent assistance will be removed Dec. 12, 2016, for common benefit categories.
BCBSTX strongly encourages providers to check patient eligibility and benefit information prior to every scheduled appointment, so having quick access to this data is imperative. The fastest and most efficient way to obtain eligibility and benefits information is electronically through Availity®, or your preferred web vendor. Taking advantage of electronic options allows retrieval of needed information at your convenience.
If eligibility and benefits are unable to be verified online, the same information is often readily accessible through our IVR phone system. Additionally, a confirmation number will be provided for your records after the phone system has completed the quote.
Attend the Back to Basics: Availity 101 Webinars
To learn more about obtaining eligibility and benefits electronically, join us for a complimentary Back to Basics: “Availity 101” webinar. Visit the Provider Training page in our online Education and Reference Center for additional information. Or, register below by selecting a session date and time below.
Dec. 8, 2016 – 11 a.m. to noon CT
Dec. 15, 2016 – 11 a.m. to noon CT
Dec. 22, 2016 – 11 a.m. to noon CT
For more advanced training on our online tools and resources, email our Provider Education Consultant team.
Checking eligibility and/or benefit information is not a guarantee of payment. Benefits will be determined once a claim is received and will be based upon, among other things, the member’s eligibility and the terms of their certificate of coverage applicable on the date services were rendered. If you have questions, please call the number on the back of the member’s ID card.
Availity is a registered trademark of Availity, LLC. Availity is a partially owned subsidiary of Health Care Service Corporation, a Mutual Legal Reserve Company (HCSC), an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association. Availity operates a health information network to provide electronic information exchange services to medical professionals. Availity provides administrative services to BCBSTX, a Division of HCSC. BCBSTX makes no endorsement, representations or warranties regarding any products or services offered by independent third party vendors. If you have any questions about the products or services offered by such vendors, you should contact the vendors directly.