Provider Notices

Notice to Providers

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice is committed to ensuring that you have an open line of communication with us at all times. Should you ever feel the need to escalate an issue, please send an email to Network Leadership at: hchaznetworkleadership@azblue.com

Recent Notices
Archived Notices

Recent Notices

2026


October	Join Us Today for the Provider Forum Updated AHCCCS Medical Coding Resource Webpage Register Today: Medicaid Provider Updates & Discussion
September	Provider Satisfaction Survey and KeepMyAHCCCS Resource Interim Maternity Care Billing Guidance Effective Immediately QM Portal Technical Assistance Process Change
August	You’re Invited: 13th Annual Tribal Summit Provider Alert: Payment Schedule, Solutions Center, Community Forums, and CME Training
July	Important Update: Payment Release Schedule Change Effective August 1, 2026 Action Required: Follow AHCCCS Dental Schedule
June	Action Required: EPSDT Submissions, Missed Appointment Logs & VFC Re-Enrollment Deadline Possible APS Planned Power Outage – June 27 Register Today: Provider Forum Webinar
May	Provider Alert: APEP Update, Heat Resources, Solutions Center, and MOC Training
April	Important Provider Updates: New Center of Excellence, Manual Changes, Forum Resources, and One Required Survey
March	2026 Prior Authorizations Update 2026 Telehealth Updates – Medicare & DEA Extensions Traditional Healing Services Now Covered Digital Newsletters are Here! Reminder: Health Choice Provider Forum
February	Health Choice Provider Portal – User Guide Now Available Available Options for Verifying Member Eligibility Register for the Provider Forum Appropriate Use of Respite Services Prior Authorization (PA) Turnaround Time (TAT) Updates 2026 Arizona Association of Health Plans (AzAHP) Forms
January	Implementation of Payment Policy Initiatives Beginning March 1, 2026 AHCCCS EVV (Electronic Visit Verification) Pharmacy Updates AVAILITY: Would you like faster payments and fewer calls? Reminder: AHCCCS Medical Coding Newsletters 2026 Annual Model of Care Training Available Now!

Archived Provider Notices

2025


December	Reminder: BCBSAZ Health Choice Provider Manuals Health Choice Pathway Program Change Notice
November	TruHearing to Provide Hearing Benefits for Health Choice Pathway Members in 2026 Explore the Power of the Provider Portal REMINDER: System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes 2025 Model of Care Training Reminder to Complete Annual Training before 12/31/2025!
October	2025 Model of Care Training Reminder to Complete Annual Training before 12/31/2025! Reminder: Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona Health Choice Provider Forum Reminder: System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes Reminder: PCPs Can Provide Fluoride Varnish Application for Pediatric AHCCCS Members Expanded Coverage Update for Speech Therapy & Cochlear Implants for Adults
September	SAVE THE DATE: Health Choice Provider Forum Flashfloods Impacts and Provider Support Resources Reminder: 12th Annual Tribal Summit Policy Update Notification: AMPM 963 Reminder: APPEALS Fax Line Claim Edit Enhancements
August	12th Annual Tribal Summit EVV Changes Effective October 1, 2025 Centers of Excellence – Vocational Services AHCCCS Provider Enrollment Portal (APEP) Changes Scheduled for August 2025 Nurses Who Inspire Wildfire Impacts and Provider Support Resources AHCCCS Biosimilars Update
July	Wildfire Impacts and Provider Support Resources Updated Prior Authorization (PA) Grids for Cardiovascular and Radiology REMINDER: Provider Forum
June	Updated POLT List effective August 1st, 2025 SAVE THE DATE: Provider Forum Southwestern Provider Services, Inc. (SPSI) Claims Clearinghouse Closure – Effective July 31, 2025 Reminder: Monthly ‘Office Hours’ with HC Behavioral Health Medical Doctors
May	Updated Prior Authorization (PA) Grids REVISED EFFECTIVE DATE: BCBSAZ Health Choice Clearinghouse Update Availity - Now Effective June 9, 2025 SAVE THE DATE: Monthly ‘Office Hours’ with HC Behavioral Health Medical Doctors Notice of Closure of District Medical Group (DMG) Multi-Specialty Interdisciplinary Clinic (MSIC) REMINDER: BCBSAZ Health Choice Provider Manuals AHCCCS Community Events in May Provider Type 19-Registered Nurse Practitioner Rate Schedule Correction (Code H0033) Monthly ‘Office Hours’ with HC Behavioral Health Medical Doctors Referring, Ordering, Attending (ROPA) Providers Required to Register with AHCCCS Updated POLT List Effective June 1st, 2025
April	Clearinghouse Update Availity - Effective May 28, 2025 Serious Emotional Disturbance (SED) Determination Process Update System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes AHCCCS Looking for Provider Feedback on its Managed Care Plans Provider Enrollment Notice of Upcoming Changes Reminder: Monthly Office Hours with HC Behavioral Health Medical Directors 2025 Arizona Healthcare Workforce Goals and Metrics Assessment Reminder: Monthly ‘Office Hours’ with HC Behavioral Health Medical Directors Coverage Discontinuation for select TerSera Therapeutics Medications
March	Prior Authorization Grid Updates Telehealth Updates Clozapine REMS Program Update Save the Date: April ‘Office Hours’ with HC Behavioral Health Medical Directors Invitation - Virtual Advance Care Planning Training Unauthorized Marketplace Plan Enrollment REMINDER: Monthly ‘Office Hours’ with HC Behavioral Health Medical Doctors Updated Prior Authorization (PA) Grids
January	SAVE THE DATE: Register for our Provider Forum Updates on the EviCore Provider Portal NOTICE: Updates on the EviCore Provider Portal SAVE THE DATE: Register for our Provider Forum Updates on the EviCore Provider Portal System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes 2025 BCBSAZ Health Choice Behavioral Health Medical Necessity Criteria Provider Satisfaction Survey Open Through February 4, 2025 Syphilis Testing During Pregnancy by Maternity Providers Revised Behavioral Health Out-of-Home Prior Authorization and Continued Stay form for Residential Treatment Updated Prior Authorization (PA) Grids


December	Transition in Claims Processing System Updates to the EviCore Provider Portal Cultural and Linguistic Requirements for Delivering Quality Care Training Arizona Association of Health Plans (AzAHP) Update – CYE 2024
November	6th Annual Statewide Tribal Veteran Symposium BCBSAZ Health Choice Provider Manuals URGENT: Continuity and Coordination of Care Practitioner Survey March of Dimes e-learning: Dismantling Implicit Bias in Maternal & Infant Healthcare Dental Prior Authorization Updates for BCBSAZ Health Choice System and Policy, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes
October	System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes Important Update – Transition of Enteral/Oral Nutrition Services AHCCCS Covered Behavioral Health Services Guide, Behavioral Health Services Matrix and FAQs Allergy and Immunotherapy Services AHCCCS DAP Qualifying Providers and DAP VFC Clarification UPDATE: AHCCCS Covered Behavioral Health Services Guide and Behavioral Health Services Matrix Change in Minimum Subcontract Provisions Effective 10/01/2024 BCBSAZ Health Choice is Not Impacted by Phoenix Children’s Hospital Contract Discussions Oxbryta Discontinued Use Effective Immediately Cultural and Linguistic Requirements for Delivering Quality Care Training Updates to the EviCore Provider Portal
September	CALOCUS Self-Paced Online Training National Substance Use and Mental Health Services (N-SUMHSS) Survey REMINDER: Save the Date Q3 Provider Forum Updates to the EviCore Provider Portal System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes
August	AHCCCS Vaccine for Children (VFC) Coding and Reimbursement Update – Effective 10/1/2024 AHCCCS NOTICE: Provider Disenrollment System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes Change in Minimum Subcontract Provisions Effective 10/01/2024 AHCCCS Partners with Health Management Systems to Conduct Regular Claims Audits AHCCCS Covered Behavioral Health Services Guide and Behavioral Health Services Matrix Provider Forum Save the Date
July
June	BCBSAZ Health Choice & BCBSAZ Health Choice Pathway Q2 Provider Forum No Cost e-Learning Course – Dismantling Implicit Bias in Maternal and Infant Healthcare CNE/CME Opportunity Change in Minimum Subcontract Provisions Effective 10/01/2024 Behavioral Health Residential Providers (B8) – Required Claim Information – Admission Date Fields
May	Obstetrical Ultrasound Billing 2024 Arizona Healthcare Workforce Goals and Metrics Assessment
April	Prior authorization, and Continued Stay Form for Behavioral Health Inpatient Facility (BHIF), Behavioral Health Residential Facility (BHRF), and Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC) System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes Clarify AHCCCS Billing and Coding Update – Effective 12/1/2023 Impacting Behavioral Health Services Reminder: Intensive Outpatient Program (IOP) Coding Clarification – S9480 and H0015 Clarification of appropriate use of Respite Services S5150 and/or S5151 – AMPM 310-B and 1250-D
March	Alternative Claims Submission Clearinghouse, Optum iEDI – Change Healthcare Incident Response System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes REMINDER: Q1 Provider Forum Solution for Providers – Change Healthcare Cybersecurity Incident SAVE THE DATE: Q1 Provider Forum
February	Change Healthcare Cybersecurity Incident System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes AHCCCS Releases Billing Guidance for Differential Adjusted Payment (DAP) Maternal RSV Vaccine (Abrysvo)
January	Provider Office Lab Testing (POLT) List effective January 1, 2024 Online Training Resources Available for Providers and Staff No Cost Professional Training Certification Opportunity HCBS Providers: Application for Round 2 of ARP Program Awards Open – Apply for up to $1,000,000 for Your Projects AHCCCS Billing and Coding Updates Effective 12/1/2023 Impacting Behavioral Health Services


December	Provider Satisfaction Survey Supplemental Benefits for 2024 Introduction to ACA StandardHealth with Health Choice System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes 2023 Annual Model of Care Training: Special Needs Plans (SNP) BCBSAZ Health Choice Q4 All Provider Forum Prior Authorization Grid Updates for BCBSAZ Health Choice Pathway
November	System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes Dental Prior Authorization Updates effective 1/1/2024 SAVE THE DATE: BCBSAZ Health Choice Q4 All Provider Forum 2023 Annual Model of Care Training: Special Needs Plans (SNP) 5th Annual Statewide Tribal Veteran Symposium
October	System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes Prior Authorization Grid Updates Arizona Association of Health Plans (AzAHP) Update
September	REMINDER: BCBSAZ Health Choice Q3 All Provider Forum BCBSAZ Health Choice Q3 All Provider Forum Mental Health and Diabetes CEU Opportunities for Behavioral Health Providers
August	Payment Processing Documentation Admission Notification Reminder System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes National Substance Use and Mental Health Services (N-SUMHSS) Survey
July	Reminder: 2023 Quarter 2 Treatment Capacity Survey 10th Annual Tribal Summit Prior Authorization Grid Updates for BCBSAZ Health Choice Pathway Changes to AHCCCS Provider Enrollment and Billing System Close Ability for Fraudulent Behavioral Health Claims Payments System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes
June	Update to Physical and Correspondence Address 2023 Back to School Campaign Continuity of Care for Members Who Lose AHCCCS Coverage REMINDER: BCBSAZ Health Choice Q2 All Provider Forum BCBSAZ Health Choice 2SLGBTQ Health Matters Conference SAVE THE DATE: BCBSAZ Health Choice Q2 All Provider Forum
May	Augmentative and Alternative Communication (ACC) Evaluations and Devices Providers System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes Prior authorization, and Continued Stay Form for Behavioral Health Inpatient Facility (BHIF), Behavioral Health Residential Facility (BHRF), and Therapeutic Foster Care (TFC)
April	System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes Allergy and Immunotherapy Services 2023 Quarter 1 Treatment Capacity Survey Termination from Network – Loloma House Prior Authorization Grid Updates for BCBSAZ Health Choice Pathway
March	REMINDER: Enteral Therapy Services – Aveanna REMINDER: BCBSAZ Health Choice Q1 All Provider Forum
February	BCBSAZ Health Choice Provider Portal – New Features and Upgrades SAVE THE DATE: BCBSAZ Health Choice Q1 All Provider Forum System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes BCBSAZ Health Choice is Not Impacted by Yavapai Regional Medical Center Contract Changes BCBSAZ Health Choice is Not Impacted by Yavapai Regional Medical Center Contract Discussions
January	CY2023 Supplemental Benefits and Flex Card Benefit Provider Office Lab Testing (POLT) List effective January 1, 2023


December	Prior Authorization Grid Updates for BCBSAZ Health Choice Medicaid and Health Choice Pathway Reminder: Member Notices Available on BCBSAZ Health Choice Websites Reminder: System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes Action Needed: BCBSAZ Health Choice 2022 Provider Satisfaction Survey Reminder: Health Choice Q4 All Provider Forum Centers of Excellence 2022 Annual Model of Care Training: Special Needs Plans (SNP)
November	Health Choice Q4 All Provider Forum AHCCCS Rules and Policy regarding billing for Arizona Physicians and Advance Practitioners System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes Provider Disenrollment Period Announced
October	Prior Authorization Grid Updates for BCBSAZ Health Choice Medicaid and Health Choice Pathway
September	Health Choice Q3 All Provider Forum 2022 R&R Recruitment and Retention Conference Aperture Health is now Verisys Dental Prior Authorization 2022 Quarter 2 Treatment Capacity Survey
August	Health Choice Q3 Provider Forum System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes Social Determinants of Health and Health Equities Virtual Speaker Program – Featuring Leah Miller SAVE THE DATE: Arizona’s Annual 2022 Health Literacy Conference – Virtual
July	System and Policy Updates, Billing Requirements & Added/Deleted Codes Upcoming Launch of 988 To Support Suicide Prevention Efforts Important Upcoming Changes – RBHA Transition
June	Social Determinants of Health and Health Equities Virtual Speaker Program – Housing 101 for Case Managers and Housing Specialists Health Choice 2022 Q2 All Provider Forum Well- Woman Preventive and Family Planning Services Online Training Resources Available for Providers and Staff Health Choice Provider Portal – New Features and Upgrades 2022 Quarter 1 Treatment Capacity Survey Get Connected to Complete Data Through the Arizona HIE – New Financial Incentive Program Get Connected to Complete Data Through the Arizona HIE – New Financial Incentive Program (CTRX)
May	EPSDT Services- Eyeglass Replacement and Repair – Coverage Clarification Provider Office Lab Testing (POLT List) Tribal Training Session – Building Bridges, Connecting Two Worlds Health Choice Provider Manuals Social Determinants of Health and Health Equities Virtual Speaker Program Featuring Mike Newcomb New Lockbox for Overpayment and Refund Payments
April	POSTPONED: Social Determinants of Health and Health Equities Virtual Speaker Program Featuring Mike Newcomb Electronic 835 Transaction Remit Posting
March	Prior Authorization Grid Updates for BCBSAZ Health Choice and BCBSAZ Health Choice Pathway Health Choice Q1 All Provider Forum Change in Member Service Hours of Operation AHCCCS EPSDT Periodicity Schedule SAVE THE DATE: Health Choice Q1 All Provider Forum Provider Portal Resource – COVID Vaccine Status Report
February	FDA Warning – Dissolvable Buprenorphine Social Determinants of Health and Health Equities Virtual Speaker Program Featuring Dr. Anne Newland
January	Health Choice Provider Billing Health Choice Member ID Numbers Training Resources Available for Providers and Staff Notice: Dental Prior Authorization Updates


December	Therapeutic Foster Care Code S5145 Billing Update
November	Reissuing Contracts to Existing Providers 2021 Quarter 3 Treatment Capacity Survey Health Choice Q4 All Provider Forum Change to Health Choice Member ID Numbers
September	HHS Announces Combines Application For Provider Relief Phase 4 and ARPA Rural Funding – Opens September 29, 2021 Reminder: Health Choice Q3 All Provider Forum Prior Authorization Grid Updates for BCBSAZ Health Choice and BCBSAZ Health Choice Pathway Preferred Skin Substitute Products Calculating Total Daily Dose of Opioids
August	Save the Date: Health Choice Q3 All Provider Forum Reminder: Dental Sealants Arizona Association of Health Plans (AzAHP) Update Code Update – Therapeutic Foster Care 2021 Quarter 2 Treatment Capacity Survey axialHealthcare Program Overview American Rescue Plan Act Grants Notice HRSA-22-109
June	AHCCCS Provider Enrollment Portal (APEP) Process Change Change in Minimum Subcontract Provisions Effective 10/01/2021 Reminder: Well-Woman Preventative and Family Planning Services Reminder: Workers’ Compensation Reminder: Nurse Practitioner Board Certificate Reminder: Health Choice Q2 All Provider Forum
May	Health Choice Provider Manuals 2021 Quarter 1 Treatment Capacity Fluoride Varnish 99188 Coverage Update Health Choice Q2 All Provider Forum
March	Prior Authorization Grid Updates for BCBSAZ Health Choice and BCBSAZ Health Choice Pathway Claim and Mail Correspondence
February	AHCCCS Bed Capacity Survey Outpatient Laboratory Services Preferred Drugs – Hyaluronate knee injection products Health Choice Q1 All Provider Forum
January	Reminder: Prior Authorization for Substance Use Disorder Behavioral Health Facilities 2020 Quarter 4 Treatment Capacity Survey


December	Therapeutic Foster Care Code S5145 Billing Update
November	Reissuing Contracts to Existing Providers 2021 Quarter 3 Treatment Capacity Survey Health Choice Q4 All Provider Forum Change to Health Choice Member ID Numbers
September	HHS Announces Combines Application For Provider Relief Phase 4 and ARPA Rural Funding – Opens September 29, 2021 Reminder: Health Choice Q3 All Provider Forum Prior Authorization Grid Updates for BCBSAZ Health Choice and BCBSAZ Health Choice Pathway Preferred Skin Substitute Products Calculating Total Daily Dose of Opioids
August	Save the Date: Health Choice Q3 All Provider Forum Reminder: Dental Sealants Arizona Association of Health Plans (AzAHP) Update Code Update – Therapeutic Foster Care 2021 Quarter 2 Treatment Capacity Survey axialHealthcare Program Overview American Rescue Plan Act Grants Notice HRSA-22-109
June	AHCCCS Provider Enrollment Portal (APEP) Process Change Change in Minimum Subcontract Provisions Effective 10/01/2021 Reminder: Well-Woman Preventative and Family Planning Services Reminder: Workers’ Compensation Reminder: Nurse Practitioner Board Certificate Reminder: Health Choice Q2 All Provider Forum
May	Health Choice Provider Manuals 2021 Quarter 1 Treatment Capacity Fluoride Varnish 99188 Coverage Update Health Choice Q2 All Provider Forum
March	Prior Authorization Grid Updates for BCBSAZ Health Choice and BCBSAZ Health Choice Pathway Claim and Mail Correspondence
February	AHCCCS Bed Capacity Survey Outpatient Laboratory Services Preferred Drugs – Hyaluronate knee injection products Health Choice Q1 All Provider Forum
January	Reminder: Prior Authorization for Substance Use Disorder Behavioral Health Facilities 2020 Quarter 4 Treatment Capacity Survey

Provider Notices

Notice to Providers

Recent Notices

2026

Archived Provider Notices

2025

2025

2024

2023

2022

2021

2020