Medicare AdvantageAdministrativeMedium impact
August 2018
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Rhode Island·RI · Family Medicine, Internal Medicine, General Practice +1 more·Provider Update
Effective date
Jan 1, 2018
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
BCBSRI extended mandatory web-based referral requirements to BlueCHiP for Medicare products effective January 1, 2018, and updated referral processes including extending retroactive referral generation from 30 to 90 days. PCPs must use the web-based referral tool for products requiring referrals, with specialists required to confirm referrals in the system.
Action Required
Immediately: Ensure all PCPs are using BCBSRI's web-based referral management tool for BlueCHiP for Medicare products and other products requiring referrals. Train staff that retroactive referrals can now be generated within 90 days (increased from 30 days). Specialists must confirm all referrals in the web-based tool. Verify referral requirements for specific BCBSRI products using their Provider Portal.