Availity Essentials provider chat: A fast, easy way to get your utilization management questions answered for Federal Employee members

Effective July 8, 2022, Federal Employee Program (FEP) for Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield (Anthem) began participating in a real-time provider chat option through Availity Essentials. The secure portal allows providers to seek real-time answers to questions about prior authorization, precertification requirements, status check, and more.

 

Currently, only Missouri and Georgia providers can access the chat capability for Federal members. Chat is available from 8 a.m. to 7 p.m. ET through the secure provider website found at www.availity.com. Select Payer Spaces, Anthem, and access the chat through Chat with Payer.

 

Chat is one example of how FEP is using digital technology to improve the healthcare experience with the goal of saving valuable time.

 

With the success of the real-time chat option for Federal members, Anthem is implementing additional states ranging in dates from October 2022 through the first quarter of 2023.  To that end, the chat option will be available for Virginia providers in December 2022.

 

*Availity, LLC is an independent company providing administrative support services on behalf of Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield.

 

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