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2023 Blue Cross and Blue Shield Service Benefit Plan - Standard and Basic Option
Section 3. How You Get Care
You need prior Plan approval for certain services:
Surgery by Non-participating providers under Standard Option

 
• Surgery by Non-participating providers under Standard Option

You may request prior approval and receive specific benefit information in advance for non-emergency surgeries to be performed by Non-participating physicians when the charge for the surgery will be $5,000 or more. When you contact your local Blue Cross and Blue Shield Plan before your surgery, the Local Plan will review your planned surgery to determine your coverage, the medical necessity of the procedure(s), and the Plan allowance for the services. You can call your Local Plan at the customer service phone number on the back of your ID card.

Note: Standard Option members are not required to obtain prior approval for surgeries performed by Non-participating providers (unless the surgery is listed on page 22 or is one of the transplant procedures listed on pages 70-74) – even if the charge will be $5,000 or more. If you do not call your Local Plan in advance of the surgery, we will review your claim to provide benefits for the services in accordance with the terms of your coverage.