Medicare AdvantageAdministrativeMedium impact
[Ohio] Manage behavioral health Peer-to-Peer conversations online
Anthem BCBS·OH · Psychiatry·Specialty Services
Effective date
Sep 1, 2026
We identified it
Sep 2, 2026
Summary
Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield Ohio has launched a new online scheduling capability within Availity Essentials for behavioral health Peer-to-Peer (P2P) conversations, effective September 1, 2026. Providers can now schedule and cancel P2P appointments electronically 24/7 instead of submitting requests by phone or email, reducing administrative burden and providing real-time visibility into scheduled appointments.
Action Required
By September 1, 2026: Behavioral health providers and billing staff must access the new P2P scheduling feature in Availity Essentials to familiarize themselves with the online workflow. Update internal office procedures and staff training to direct all P2P requests through Availity Essentials instead of phone or email submission. Verify that your practice has access to Availity Essentials (https://Availity.com) and can log into the appropriate Anthem payer space. For technical questions or access issues, contact Availity Chat with Payer during business hours through the provider website or use the Contact Us section of the Anthem Ohio provider website.