All PlansAdministrativeMedium impact
Carelon Routine Maintenance
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Vermont·VT · Radiology·Prior Authorization
Effective date
Sep 11, 2026
We identified it
Sep 5, 2026
Summary
Blue Cross VT's radiology management partner Carelon will have scheduled maintenance windows when their prior authorization tool will be unavailable. Providers must use an alternative contact method (phone to Care Management) for urgent prior authorization requests during these blackout periods: September 11-13, 2026 and October 9-11, 2026.
Action Required
REQUIREMENTS:
- By September 11, 2026: Billing and prior authorization staff must document the Carelon maintenance windows (9:00 p.m. CST Friday Sept 11 through 6:00 p.m. CST Sunday Sept 13; 9:00 p.m. CST Friday Oct 9 through 6:00 p.m. CST Sunday Oct 11) on office calendars and communication boards.
- During both maintenance windows: For any urgent radiology prior authorization requests, bypass the Carelon online tool and contact Blue Cross VT Care Management staff directly at (800) 922-8778 instead of submitting through normal channels.
- Front desk and billing staff should flag radiology orders scheduled during these dates and alert providers to expect delays in prior auth processing or need for phone-based requests.
- Failure to use the phone alternative during blackout periods may result in delayed prior authorizations and potential claim denials if services are provided without approval.