Referrals to Out of Network Labs Can Increase Expenses for Patients

Blue Cross and Blue Shield of North Carolina (Blue Cross NC) members receive the highest level of benefits when they receive services from in-network providers.  If your practice uses the services of laboratories that are not in the Blue Cross NC network, or refers members to out-of-network laboratories, this may result in a reduction of benefits or even a denial of benefits for the member.  To ensure that our members/your patients are receiving the most benefit coverage allowed under their respective plans, we would like to remind Blue Cross NC participating providers of their contractual obligation to refer all lab services to Blue Cross NC in-network laboratory providers.

To confirm if a laboratory is participating with Blue Cross NC, you can access the “Find a Doctor or Facility” tool, which is available online at bluecrossnc.com.  Additionally, Blue Cross NC representatives are available to answer your questions regarding network lab participation, as well as questions regarding our referral process.

Please contact the Provider Blue Line^SM at 1.800.214.4844 if you need assistance.