CommercialMedicare AdvantageOctober 1, 2023
Non-participating lab referrals
This communication applies to the Commercial and Medicare Advantage programs from Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) in Colorado.
This is a reminder to ensure that you are referring Anthem members to participating labs. LabCorp is our preferred lab provider and offers a Single Source Solution to your testing needs. The relationship with LabCorp does not affect network hospital-based lab service providers, contracted pathologists, or contracted independent laboratories. Physicians may continue to refer to all par providers as they have in the past.
Not only does your Anthem agreement obligate you to refer to participating labs where available, but members will only receive their full benefits from participating providers. As a result, referring your patient and our member to a non-participating lab may expose them to a greater financial responsibility. As a reminder, Quest Diagnostics is a non-participating laboratory for all lines of business in Colorado.
Unfortunately, there are certain non-participating labs that are offering to waive or cap co-payments, coinsurance, or deductibles to our members in order to increase their overall revenue. These practices undermine member benefits and may encourage over-utilization of services.
These billing practices are also questionable in their legality. Such a practice may present violations under state or federal anti-kickback laws and may constitute abuse of health insurance under the Colorado criminal code.
For a listing of Anthem participating laboratories, please check our online directory. Go to anthem.com and select the green Find Care button on the top right of the page.
Note: When searching for laboratory, pathology, or radiology services, under the field I am looking for a, select Lab/Pathology/Radiology; and then under the field Who specializes in, select Laboratories, Pathology, or Radiology as appropriate for your inquiry.
LabCorp is our preferred lab provider and offers a Single Source Solution to your testing needs
LabCorp can provide services that range from routine testing, such as basic blood counts and cholesterol tests, to highly complex diagnosing of genetic conditions, cancers, and other rare diseases. LabCorp has specialized laboratories which cover the following areas of testing:
Allergy program Cancer testing Cardiovascular disease Companion diagnostics Dermatology Diabetes Dna testing Endocrine disorders Esoteric coagulation Gastroenterology | Genetic testing Genetic counseling Genomics Hla lab for national marrow donor program Hematopathology Infectious disease Immunology Liver disease Kidney disease | Medical drug monitoring Molecular diagnostics Newborn screening Pain management Pathology expertise w/range of subspecialties Pharmacogenomics Preimplantation genetic diagnosis Reproductive health | Obstetrics/gynecology Oncology Toxicology Whole exome sequencing Virology Women’s health Urology |
Note: Our relationship with LabCorp does not affect network hospital-based lab service providers, contracted pathologists, or contracted independent laboratories.
To find a LabCorp location near you, go to LabCorp.com or call one of the phone numbers below.
For information about specialized assays or about requirements for special collection kits and specimen handling, call LabCorp at 303-792-2600 or toll free at 888-LABCORP (888-522-2677).
*LabCorp is an independent company providing lab services on behalf of the health plan.
COBCBS-CRCM-036530-23
PUBLICATIONS: October 2023 Provider Newsletter
To view this article online:
Visit https://providernews.anthem.com/colorado/articles/non-participating-lab-referrals-29-15492
Or scan this QR code with your phone