Medicare AdvantageCoverageMedium impact
New policies
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI · Pain Management, PM&R (Physical Medicine & Rehab)·Provider Update
Effective date
Jan 1, 2021
We identified it
Jun 19, 2026
Summary
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island has created three new policies effective January 1, 2021: Acupuncture and Dry Needling coverage for BlueCHiP Medicare plans, and Telemedicine/Telephone Services policies for both BlueCHiP Medicare and Commercial products during the Public Health Emergency. These policies establish coverage guidelines for alternative medicine and telehealth services.
Action Required
By January 1, 2021: Billing team must review the full policy text on bcbsri.com under Medical Policy heading to understand specific coverage criteria, billing requirements, and documentation needs for acupuncture, dry needling, and telemedicine services. Update billing protocols and encounter forms accordingly for BlueCHiP Medicare and Commercial products.