Medicare AdvantageAdministrativeMedium impact
1/1/2024 Updates
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI · Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Psychiatry·Provider Update
Effective date
Jan 1, 2024
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Effective January 1, 2024, BCBSRI is removing referral requirements for Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy for Medicare Advantage and Commercial plans, and removing referral requirements for Speech Therapy for Medicare Advantage only. Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists are now allowed to render services to Medicare members.
Action Required
Immediately: Update billing system and front desk workflows to remove referral requirements for Physical Therapy and Occupational Therapy services for Medicare Advantage and Commercial patients. Remove referral requirements for Speech Therapy for Medicare Advantage patients only. Update staff training and patient scheduling protocols to reflect these changes. Verify Mental Health Counselors and Marriage and Family Therapists can now bill for Medicare member services.