PLEASE NOTE: Our website URL will be changing. On February 1, 2023 we will be redirecting this website to our Highmark Provider Resource Center (PRC) website. Click here, to visit the PRC.
Blue Bulletin
Highmark Blue Shield of Northeastern New York strives to provide our network of provider practices and facilities with the most current health plan information in a quick and easily accessible manner.
Search Results
-
Addressing Substance Use with Your Patients
May 26, 2022
The COVID-19 pandemic has resulted in rising rates of substance use disorder (SUD) across the United States as well as here locally. In November 2021, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimated 100,306 drug overdose deaths in the United States from April 2020 to April 2021, an increase of almost 29% from the same time period during the previous year. We encourage you to speak with your patients about alcohol and drug use and provide screenings. Here, you can find resources, including information about screening reimbursement and our care management program.
Continue Reading -
Connect Your Patients to Behavioral Health Resources
May 26, 2022
May is Mental Health Awareness Month. It’s important to screen patients for behavioral health issues and connect them with appropriate care. Early diagnosis and treatment can prevent worsening symptoms and help lead to better health outcomes. In this article, we highlight services and resources for your patients who may be struggling with behavioral health concerns.
Continue Reading -
Patient Care Programs: Vatica HRA Program
May 26, 2022
In 2022, we’re continuing to offer a program to help you address and close care or quality gaps for your eligible Highmark BSNENY patients. Some of your Highmark BSNENY commercial patients may qualify for a Vatica Health Risk Assessment (HRA) visit if they have a gap in their medical record, such as a previous diagnosis that hasn’t been addressed this year. Here, you can view proper coding and learn how you can earn an incentive.
Continue Reading -
Updated Drug Therapy Guidelines Available Online - May 2022
May 26, 2022
Drug Therapy Guidelines were recently updated for your patients on both the Highmark and legacy systems. Twenty-two drug therapy guidelines for patients on the legacy systems were added or updated recently by a committee of local physicians, other prescribers, and pharmacists. Highmark’s recently reviewed and approved drug policy guidelines are now available through the Highmark Provider Resource Center.
Continue Reading -
Medical Protocol Updates Available Online – May 2022
May 26, 2022
Highmark’s monthly Medical Policy Update Newsletter will be available online on or before May 30. These medical protocol updates may impact your patients who have moved onto Highmark’s system.
Continue Reading -
Billing Preventive and Diagnostic Services for Highmark System Patients
April 27, 2022
Previously, we aligned our preventive lab services to include only U.S. Preventive Services Task Force (USPSTF) recommendations for your patients who have moved onto Highmark’s system. We’ve made the decision to continue with our 2021 preventive reimbursement schedule for preventive labs throughout 2022, which will allow providers the opportunity to adjust to these changes. Labs and screenings that may have previously denied will be adjusted as appropriate for both providers and patients. In this article, you can view the affected preventive labs as well as coding guidance for diagnostic services.
Continue Reading -
Keep Your Information Current with BetterDoctor
April 27, 2022
It’s important that you respond and attest to BetterDoctor’s quarterly outreach. When you update your demographic information with us, you will need to also contact BetterDoctor’s Customer Service team to let them know about any changes. In this article, you can learn how to submit updates.
Continue Reading -
NYS Advisory: Increase in Syphilis Infection Rates
April 27, 2022
In June 2021, the New York State Department of Health (NYSDOH) Office of Sexual Health and Epidemiology issued a health advisory about an increase of congenital syphilis in New York State. Today, cases of syphilis and congenital syphilis continue to rise across the state. Here, you can review the advisory and guidelines for syphilis screening and prevention.
Continue Reading -
Medical Protocol Updates Available Online – April 2022
April 27, 2022
We recently reviewed 48 medical protocols. These protocols will be posted online on or before May 1, 2022, and will have an effective date of June 1, 2022, unless otherwise noted. Highmark’s monthly Medical Policy Update Newsletter will be available online on or before April 25, 2022.
Continue Reading -
Using the Highmark Provider Resource Center (PRC)
March 29, 2022
The Highmark PRC is the central source for all provider-related information for patients who have moved onto Highmark’s system. Since our affiliation with Highmark, we’ve been directing you to the PRC in our webpages and email communications. There are many tools and resources on the PRC to answer your questions, help reduce administrative burden and assist with processes related to these patients.
Continue Reading
Working with Us
Additional Resources
We want to hear from you! Have a topic request for the next Blue Bulletin? Email us
Stay in Touch! Sign up to receive emails for provider news and information