It’s important that providers use in-network laboratories for patient care. This helps BCBSM/BCN members save money while receiving high-quality, cost-effective testing services. Blue Cross and Blue Care Network reminded providers multiple times through their newsletter, The Record – most recently in the June 2019 issue.

Going out of network for lab services may cause unnecessary cost-sharing expenses and balance-billing by the labs. The Blues encourage you, to let your patients know that using a contracted lab avoids higher copayments and other out-of-pocket costs.

Network labs offer a full complement of routine tests, BRCA testing and other specialty testing. In addition, BCN and BCBSM use contracted labs to obtain data for regulatory reporting and clinical quality review.

According to your participation agreement, you must also use in-network providers when referring patients for non-emergency services. Please Verify a laboratory’s participation in the appropriate network before referring patients for labwork.

Failure to meet program requirements for utilizing participating laboratory services may lead to corrective action, including potential termination from the Blue Cross network.

Below is a list of labs used for our BCN and Blue Cross members:

Attached is a copy of the frequently asked questions document that was sent to providers.