AEM

BCBS Prefix AEM

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

Maryland/District of Columbia/Northern Virginia • PPO, HMO, Medicare, Medicaid

Billing essentials

Provider phone
(800) 842-5975
Electronic payer ID
580
Claims mailing address
10455 Mill Run Circle, P.O. Box 825, Owings Mills, MD 21117
Timely filing limit
180 daysCompare all plans
Prior authorization phone
(866) 773-2884

Coverage under prefix AEM

PPO

PPO (Preferred Provider Organization) plans allow members to visit any healthcare provider without a referral. In-network providers cost less, but out-of-network care is still covered at a reduced rate. When billing for a PPO plan, submit claims directly to the payer listed above. No referral documentation is needed.

HMO

Under this HMO prefix, the member's coverage is limited to the plan's provider network. Care is coordinated through a primary care physician. Specialist visits require a referral from the PCP. When billing, confirm that the referring provider and the referral authorization number are included on the claim.

Medicare Advantage

Under this prefix, the member may have Medicare Advantage coverage administered by this BCBS plan. MA claims are subject to CMS regulations in addition to the plan's own policies. Balance billing restrictions apply. Verify the member's specific MA plan details and confirm the correct payer ID for electronic submission.

Medicaid

This prefix includes Medicaid managed care coverage. The BCBS plan administers Medicaid benefits on behalf of the state. Claims submission, prior authorization, and reimbursement rules may follow state Medicaid guidelines rather than the plan's standard commercial policies. Confirm the correct payer ID for Medicaid claims.

About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

Independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association serving Maryland, District of Columbia and Northern Virginia.