Blue Cross changing how nonpayable codes are displayed in fee schedules

Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan pays for covered services based on the lower of either the billed charges or the Blue Cross-approved amount. In the past, Blue Cross hadn’t established fees for services that were considered nonpayable for their members but that may be covered for members of other Blue plans who received services in Michigan. Previously, nonpayable codes in their fee schedules were listed as “NP” in the fee columns. Effective July 1, 2015, BCBSMI will no longer display the nonpayable codes as “NP.” Instead, either their Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan fee will be listed or, in instances where a fee could not be established, the fee will be listed as “No fee.” In these instances, they will base their approved amount on the fee that is listed or the charged amount.