FAQs
Provider

Q.		To what addresses do I need to mail my Blue Cross or HMO LA claims?
A.		Mail your Blue Cross claims to: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana Claims Department P. O. Box 98029 Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9029 Mail your HMO LA claims to: HMO LA Claims Department P.O. Box 98024 Baton Rouge, LA 70898
Q.		What are the fax numbers to the Blue Cross and HMO LA Claims Departments?
A.		The fax number to the Blue Cross Claims Department is 225.295.2147. The fax number to the HMO LA Claims Department is 225.295.2494.
Q.		How can I get information about electronic claims filing?
A.		You can reach our Electronic Data Interchange (EDI) department by calling 225.297.2653 or 225.298.3060. The EDI representative for your area will be happy to answer your questions and give you information on filing electronically so you can receive payment four to 11 days faster.
Q.		Where can I find information about the authorization process?
A.		We have several online references about the authorization process. You may want to take a look at our Authorization Process Speed Guide or check the Network News index for issues on referrals and the authorization process.
Q.		Who should I call when I need to pre-certify services?
A.		For all lines of business, except the Federal Employee Program, please call 1.800.523.6435 for pre-certification of services. For Federal Employee Program members, please call 1.800.334.9416.
Q.		How can I find out if a service requires pre-certification?
A.		If you are not sure whether or not a service requires pre-certification, you should call our Provider Inquiry Unit at 1.800.922.8866.
Q.		Who should I call to check on the status of my credentialing application?
A.		You may call our Network Administration Division at 1.800.716.2299, option 2.
Q.		How long does it take to process a credentialing application?
A.		Generally, it takes 60-90 days to process a credentialing application from the date our Credentialing Department receives it.
Q.		If I sign a Key Physician Agreement, am I automatically included in all the Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana networks?
A.		No, all of our networks have separate agreements or addenda, as well as varying participation requirements. For example, to be eligible to participate in our Preferred Care PPO network, you must first have admitting privileges at a Preferred Care hospital. Then, if you would like to join this network, we will send you an addendum to your Key Physician Agreement along with our Louisiana Standard Credentialing Form to sign and return. Our Advantage Blue POS and HMO Louisiana, Inc. (HMO LA) networks have similar requirements. Our Preferred Care PPO and HMO LA networks also have credentialing requirements. To request more information on joining our provider networks, please call our Network Administration Division at 225.297.2758 or 1.800.716.2299, option 3.
Q.		How can I obtain a Physicians Resource Guide or network directory?
A.		You may call 225.297.2758.
Q.		Who do I contact to change my address or telephone number?
A.		All address, telephone number and tax ID number changes should be mailed to the following address: Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana ATTN: Network Operations – Information Change P.O. Box 98029 Baton Rouge, LA 70898-9029
Q.		What is BlueCard?
A.		The BlueCard® Program links participating health care providers with Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plans everywhere. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Louisiana serves as your focal point for claims collection, payment, problem resolutions and adjustments. You may recognize members of the BlueCard Program by their ID cards, which will have the special “PPO in a suitcase” logo in the upper right-hand corner of the ID card. If you would like more information on BlueCard, please see our Network News index.
Q.		Where can providers call for claims inquiries?
A.		Key Physician PPO (Preferred Care) Medicare Supplement (BC65) Out-of-state Dental 1.800.922.8866 or 225.291.5376 Advantage Blue POS HMO Louisiana (Louisiana Blue Health Plans) 1.800.376.7741 or 225.293.0625 Louisiana Blue Medicare Plan 1.800.227.8927 Federal Employee Program (FEP) 1.800.272.3029