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For Providers
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April 2026 |
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APRIL SPOTLIGHT |
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Quality Measures Track Treatment and Follow‑Up Visits for Substance Use Disorders
You can play an important role in our members’ care by discussing the signs of substance use disorders and encouraging getting help, if appropriate. Review tips to close care gaps.
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BEHAVIORAL HEALTH |
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Watch for Requests for Behavioral Health Documentation for Medicaid Members
Medical record documentation standards and reviews help ensure quality care. Learn what information may be requested or reviewed through electronic health records.
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CLAIMS AND ELIGIBILITY |
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See Prior Authorization Changes for Some Commercial and Government Program Members
We’ve updated prior authorization requirements for certain commercial and government plans to reflect new, replaced or removed codes.
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Watch for Recommendations on Cost‑Effective Lab Providers
Beginning April 1, 2026, you may receive recommendations from us for cost‑effective, in‑network laboratory providers for our members in individual and family plans.
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CLINICAL RESOURCES |
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Access Resource on 2026 Quality Measures in Availity® Essentials
We use Healthcare Effectiveness Data and Information Set (HEDIS®) measures to help ensure our members get the services they need. Learn about a coding and documentation resource to help address potential gaps in care.
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EDUCATION |
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Explore Learning Opportunities
We offer free training for providers who participate in our networks. View and sign up for training sessions.
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MEDICAID |
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Join Us for Medicaid Provider Advisory Group Meeting in May
Save the date for our second‑quarter Medicaid Provider Advisory Group meeting. We’ll discuss clinical practice guidelines, member benefits service coordination and other topics. View dates and times for two locations.
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Understand Revised Criteria for Pediatric Hospital Beds and Equipment
Revised criteria for hospital beds and equipment were effective Jan. 1, 2026. View answers to questions we’ve received on how prior authorization requests will be considered.
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View Reminders on Billing Requirements for Qualified Rehabilitation Professionals
We’re providing reminders to help ensure compliance with billing‑related requirements for Qualified Rehabilitation Professionals participating in seating assessments for manual or power custom wheelchairs.
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Stay Updated on Medicaid News
You can find information for STAR, STAR Kids and CHIP in Medicaid News and Updates.
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MEDICARE |
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Use Updated Medicare Outpatient Observation Notice
The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services updated the notice that hospitals and critical access hospitals are required to give Medicare Advantage plan members who are under outpatient observation for more than 24 hours. Learn how to access the notice.
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NETWORK PARTICIPATION |
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Keep Your Record ID Active To Prevent Network Termination
If you haven’t filed a claim with your billing or rendering National Provider Identifier and Tax ID Number with a date of service within 24 months, we may cancel your corresponding record ID, and you may be terminated from our networks. Learn how to keep your record ID active with us.
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See How To Request Help on Certain BlueCard® Claims
For claims issues that meet specific criteria, you may reach out to our BlueCard Executive for assistance. Learn which providers and claims are eligible.
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STANDARDS AND REQUIREMENTS |
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Learn About Updates to Reimbursement Policies
We regularly add and modify reimbursement policies, formerly known as clinical payment and coding 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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HEDIS is a registered trademark of the National Committee for Quality Assurance.
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Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Texas, 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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1001 E. Lookout Drive, Richardson, TX 75082
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