SNFs must register for and learn the e-referral system before submitting commercial SNF authorization requests through e-referral starting Dec. 1

Starting Dec. 1, 2020, skilled nursing facilities must submit authorization requests for Blue Cross' PPO and BCN HMO^SM members through the e-referral system and not by fax.

Currently, SNFs are completing a form and submitting it by fax. Starting Dec. 1, you'll still need to complete the form, but you'll attach it to the request in the e-referral system instead of faxing it.

This requirement will apply to requests for admissions and requests for additional SNF days.

We've communicated about this before and now we’re sharing these new details:

• This change starts Dec. 1, 2020.
• It's important for SNFs to use the online training tools to familiarize themselves with the e referral system.
• We're offering supplemental webinar overviews of the e-referral system.

To prepare for this change, there are three important things you need to do right away.

1. Register now for access to the e-referral system
   We encourage you to register now for access to the e-referral system. It takes some time to process registration requests and we want to make sure everyone has access before Dec. 1.
   
   To register, follow the instructions on the Sign Up or Change a User webpage on this website.
2. Use the online tools to learn the e-referral system — before attending a webinar
   
   Visit the Training Tools page of this website for:
   
   • e-referral User Guide (PDF)
   • Online self-paced learning modules (PDF)

   It's important that you use the online tools to learn how to use the e-referral system before attending a webinar — especially:

   • Checking member eligibility and benefits
   • Submitting an inpatient authorization request
   • Attaching a document to the authorization request
3. Sign up for a webinar overview of the e-referral system
   To supplement what you learned through the online tools, we're offering webinars that are tailored to SNFs. Each webinar is 1 hour and 30 minutes and includes time for questions and answers.
   
   Click on one of the links below to sign up for a webinar:
   

Posted: September 2020
Lines of business: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan and Blue Care Network