New Imaging Shopper Program for Members

In July 23, 2012, Empire BlueCross BlueShield launched a new service that informs members about the costs and quality of high tech imaging services in many New York counties. This initiative involves proactive outreach to Empire members who reside in the counties noted below, to provide information about imaging costs and quality to help the members select an imaging provider.  

While most members go to an imaging location recommended by their physician, they may not realize that their share of the expense will vary, depending on where they receive the imaging service(s). In addition, according to feedback from our members, most are open to receiving quality and cost information if it can help them lower their cost share. As a result, when Empire receives preauthorization requests for certain MRI, MRA, CT and/or CTA services, members will be called and given information to help them understand their choices.  

During this outreach, members will have an opportunity to reduce their health care expenses by selecting lower-cost providers or locations that report equal or better quality. Members may still choose any participating imaging provider, and will not be denied access to services if they do not choose the lower-cost option. Our goal is simply to give members information to make informed choices about their health care.  

In order to be sure that members have the most up-to-date information, we encourage servicing providers to keep their quality survey information updated in OptiNet®. Be sure to hit submit each time you make an update or the survey will show as incomplete.  

Our member outreach will exclude the following: 

 

New York counties included in the Radiology Imaging Shopper Program:  

 

Effective January 28, 2013, the following upstate counties listied below will be included in this program.  

Option 1: Medical Providers 

Option 4: Updates and Other Information  

Option1: Participation and Credentialing Information  

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