Blue Shield of California recently announced changes to its physician fee schedule that will take effect December 1, 2017. 

While the notice indicated that the new rates would be available on the Blue Shield website by October 1, CMA has learned that Blue Shield experienced technical difficulties that will delay the availability of the new rates on the website, until October 9, 2017 (tentatively). The rates will be located under "Helpful Resources," then “Professional Fee Schedule,” then click “Search the Claims Fee Schedule” using a “Date of Service” of December 1, 2017, or later.

Physicians can also request a copy of the new fees for up to 20 codes by completing the allowance review form enclosed with the notice, or by calling the Blue Shield Provider Information and Enrollment Department at (800) 258-3091. Blue Shield will provide a response to your inquiry within 10 business days.

As always, physicians are encouraged to carefully review all proposed amendments to health plan or medical group/IPA contracts. The California Medical Association (CMA) reminds physicians that they do not have to accept substandard contracts that are not beneficial to their practices.

To help physicians understand their rights when a health plan has sent notice of a material change to a contract, CMA has published "Contract Amendments: An Action Guide for Physicians," available in CMA's online store. The guide includes a discussion of options available to physicians when presented with a material contract change, as well as a financial impact worksheet that will help physicians calculate the net impact of fee schedule changes on their practice.