BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina

Publix: New Precertification Procedures for Advanced Imaging Services

November 24, 2009

Effective January 1, 2010, certain advanced imaging services for Publix members will require precertification from National Imaging Associates (NIA) when performed and billed in an outpatient or office location. On behalf of BlueCross, NIA handles precertification for certain imaging services. NIA is an independent company. You can identify Publix members by the "PBB" alpha-prefix on the member's insurance card. The precertification program that NIA will employ on behalf of Publix will be very similar to that already used by NIA on behalf of BlueCross BlueShield of South Carolina for its commercial business. In general, non-emergency CTs, MRIs, MRAs and PETs will require precertification. View details about the NIA program and precertification instructions on the Radiology Precertification page. For more information, contact your provider education representative at 803-264-4730 or by e-mail at Provider.Education@bcbssc.com.