Tip Tuesday: BCBS Cost Cutting Suggestions For Members

10 Tips You Should Know

1. When planning for a surgery or treatment, call BCBS Care Consultants at 1-800-955-5692, option 5. You can save yourself time and money by using BCBS's team of experts to help make the right decisions about your care.
2. Stay in-network. BCBS discounted rates with doctors, hospitals and other providers ensure members (YOU) pay less.
3. For non-emergency situations, try using an in-network urgent care center rather than the ER, which will also save you lots of time and money. You can check out the BCBS provider directory at MyBlueService for a list of care centers in your neighborhood.
4. Use Quest Diagnostics for 100 percent coverage on doctor requested lab services.
5. Get prior authorizations and use independent imaging centers when seeking an MRI, CT, PET scan or nuclear cardiology service. Providers in the BCBS network will automatically request an authorization. If your doctor is out of network, you will be responsible for ensuring your doctor obtains an authorization.
6. Go generic on prescription medications and compare prices. MyBlueService lets you compare prices online, anytime.
7. Get preventive check-ups. BlueOptions plans cover many screenings for both adults and children. Use MyBlueService to review your benefits and coverage.
8. Talk to a nurse or health coach for general health concerns. Free access to these experts is available 24/7 through Health Dialog by calling 1-877-789-2583.
9. Save 20 to 60 percent with member-only discounts on health products and services for vision, hearing and weight loss programs - just to name a few!
10. Use MyBlueService to find benefits and claims information. New tools and information to help members stay healthy - and save you money - are added regularly.

Until next week,
Michelle D.