December 2022
New Tool Improves Behavioral Health Prior Authorization – Attend a Training
Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois (BCBSIL) is streamlining the prior authorization process to reduce your workload with the launch of BlueApprovRSM. This new tool in Availity® Essentials expedites approvals for some behavioral health services for many of our commercial, non-HMO members.
Reminder: Member benefits vary based on the service being rendered and individual and group policy elections. Always check eligibility and benefits first through Availity or your preferred web vendor. This step will confirm coverage and other important details, such as prior authorization requirements and utilization management vendors, if applicable.
BlueApprovR Tool Offers End-to-End Efficiencies
Registered Availity Essentials users have free, 24/7 access to BlueApprovR tool to:
- Secure real-time approvals for certain services and begin treatment right away
- Easily attach medical records
- Check approval status and view history of your request
Provider Training
You can attend a free webinar on how to use BlueApprovR. To register, select your preferred date and time from the list below. Times listed are Central Time (CT):
- Dec. 12, 2022 – 1 to 2 p.m.
- Dec. 14, 2022 – 11 a.m. to noon
- Dec. 16, 2022 – 1 to 2 p.m.
- Dec. 19, 2022 – 1 to 2 p.m.
- Dec. 20, 2022 – 1 to 2 p.m.
How to Submit Prior Authorization Requests through Availity
- In Availity, select Payer Spaces from the navigation menu, then BCBSIL.
- On the Payer Spaces page, select Applications and choose BlueApprovR.
- Users will be redirected to BlueApprovR to complete the request online.
Provider Resources
Learn how to access BlueApprovR with our new user guide.
Other Prior Authorization Request Methods
If you’re not a registered Availity user, register today on Availity. Otherwise, you still may request prior authorization with BCBSIL by calling the number on the member’s ID card.
Note: This new tool is currently not available for Medicare Advantage or Illinois Medicaid members. Please use your existing process for requesting prior authorization for these members.
For More Information
Continue to watch News and Updates for future program updates and training opportunities.
Checking eligibility and/or benefit information and/or obtaining prior authorization 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 the member’s certificate of coverage, including, but not limited to, exclusions and limitations applicable on the date services were rendered. If you have any questions, call the number on the member's ID card.
Availity is a trademark of Availity, LLC, a separate company that operates a health information network to provide electronic information exchange services to medical professionals. Availity provides administrative services to BCBSIL. BCBSIL makes no endorsement, representations or warranties regarding third party vendors and the products and services they offer.