July 2020

Refer Our Members to In-Network Laboratories

As a Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) network provider, please refer all laboratory services to participating, in-network providers. Although some of our members may know you are in-network for their benefit plan, they may not know if the laboratories you refer them to are in-network or out-of-network. Referrals to out-of-network laboratory facilities may result in unnecessary higher costs for members.

BCBSIL has established relationships with contracted laboratory vendors. Be sure to check our online Provider Finder^® for currently contracted labs that are in-network for each patient, according to details of the member’s benefit plan.

*This article does not apply to HMO member referrals. HMO members should follow the guidance of their in-network primary care physician or specialist for lab testing.

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 the member’s certificate of coverage applicable on the date services were rendered. If you have any questions, call the number on the member’s ID card.

The above material is for informational purposes only and is not intended to be a substitute for the independent medical judgment of a physician. Physicians and other health care providers are encouraged to use their own best medical judgment based upon all available information and the condition of the patient in determining the best course of treatment.