Frequently Asked Questions
Purchasing Insurance
Claims and Billing
Doctors, Hospitals and Specialties
General Questions
How can I get information on purchasing health insurance?
Click here for information on obtaining health insurance coverage for yourself, your family or a group.
Whom do I contact when I have a billing question?
Contact your local Blue Cross and Blue Shield company for details regarding billing. Not sure which Blue company you belong to? You can find out by typing your home or work ZIP code into our Plan Finder. Be sure to have your account number, paperwork, and any important information such as dates or doctor references handy when you call.
What is a PPO?
A Preferred Provider Organization (PPO) is an arrangement designed to supply health care services at a discounted cost by providing incentives for members to use designated health providers (who contract with the PPO at a discount), but which also provides coverage for services rendered by health care providers who are not part of the PPO network.
What is an HMO?
HMO stands for Health Maintenance Organization, a health care system that assumes or shares both the financial risks and the delivery risks associated with providing comprehensive medical services to a voluntarily enrolled population in a particular geographic area, usually in return for a fixed, prepaid fee.
What is a provider?
A provider is a hospital, health care facility, physician or other medical professional that provides health care services.
What is a Primary Care Physician (PCP)?
A physician or other medical professional who serves as a group member's first contact with a company's health care system. Also known as a primary care provider, personal care physician or personal care provider.
Do all family members have to select the same Primary Care Physician (PCP)?
This may vary depending on the Blue Cross and Blue Shield member company and plan/program through which you receive your benefits. Contact your local Blue Cross and Blue Shield company for more information. Not sure which Blue Plan is yours? You can find out by typing your home or work ZIP code into our Plan Finder.
How can I get claims forms for my local Blue Plan?
Contact your local Blue Cross and Blue Shield company for more information. Not sure which Blue company you belong to? You can find out by typing your home or work ZIP code into our Plan Finder.
I'm a doctor. Who do I talk to about providing health care services through Blue Cross and Blue Shield programs?
Contact your local Blue Cross and Blue Shield company for information on becoming a participating provider. Not sure which Blue Plan is nearest you? You can find out by typing your home or work ZIP code into our Plan Finder.
How often is your BlueCard Doctor and Hospital Finder updated?
Each one of our Blue Cross and Blue Shield independent licensees (our member companies) collect and provide information for our PPO finder via different timetables and methods. While we make every effort to keep the Provider Finder "up-to-date," it is always best to confirm any provider information you select from this utility with your local Blue Cross and Blue Shield representatives.
Where can I find a list of available doctors?
Contact your local Blue Cross and Blue Shield conpany for information on which doctors participate in the plan/program in which you are enrolled. Not sure which Blue company you belong to? You can find out by typing your home or work ZIP code into our Plan Finder.
Who do I talk to if a claim has been rejected?
Contact your local Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plan for detail regarding claims. Not sure which Blue Plan is yours? You can find out by typing your home or work ZIP code into our Plan Finder. Be sure to have your account number, paperwork, and any important information such as dates or Dr. references handy when you call.
How can I find out information about coverage that is supplemental to Medicare?
There are lots of Medicare choices, including Medicare+Choice, medical savings accounts and private fee-for-service plans. Contact your local BlueCross and Blue Shield representative for details regarding claims or coverage. Not sure which Blue company you belong to? You can find out by typing your home or work ZIP code into our Plan Finder.
Where do I file a claim for medical care received outside the United States?
For hospitalization arranged by the BlueCard Worldwide Service Center, the provider will file the claim for you. For outpatient and professional services and hospitalizations not arranged by the Service Center, you will have to pay the provider and then send a completed BlueCard Worldwide claim form with original invoices to the BlueCard Worldwide Service Center. The claim form with filing address and instructions can be found in the "Healthcare Anywhere" section of this web site.
Where can I get a list of hospitals and doctors outside the United States?
You can search for hospitals and doctors worldwide by going to the Healthcare Anywhere section of this web site. You can check those providers you are interested in and add them to your "Destination Guide". The "Destination Guide" is a compilation of provider, travel and destination city/country information on this web site that you have checked for inclusion in your "Destination Guide".
How often is the international hospital and doctor information updated?
The information is updated as soon as new information becomes available.
Who do I call if I need to access a provider outside the United States?
If you need to access a provider outside the United States, you can call the BlueCard Worldwide Service Center at 1.800.810.BLUE or collect at 804.673.1177 for information on hospitals and doctors or you can use this web site to locate providers. If you are hospitalized you must call the Service Center in order for them to arrange cash-less access with the hospital. In an emergency, go to the nearest hospital and then call the BlueCard Worldwide Service Center if you are hospitalized. Contact your Blue Cross and Blue Shield company for pre-authorization, if necessary.
What is the BlueCard Worldwide Program?
The BlueCard Worldwide program provides Blue Cross and Blue Shield eligible members with access to a network of hospitals and doctors and assistance in obtaining medical care worldwide.
Does my health insurance cover care outside the United States?
You will need to contact your Blue Cross and Blue Shield company to find out what coverage you have for medical care received outside the United States.
