GDS

BCBS Prefix GDS

Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield

New York • PPO, Traditional Indemnity, High-Deductible Health Plan (HDHP)

Billing essentials

Provider phone
(800) 397-1630
Electronic payer ID
00803
Claims mailing address
P.O. Box 1407, Church Street Station, New York, NY 10008
Timely filing limit
90 daysCompare all plans
Prior authorization phone
(800) 397-1630

Coverage under prefix GDS

PPO

This prefix is associated with a PPO plan. Preferred Provider Organization coverage gives members flexibility to see specialists without referrals and to use out-of-network providers at higher cost-sharing. Claims can be submitted for both in-network and out-of-network services, though reimbursement rates differ.

Traditional Indemnity

This is a traditional indemnity prefix. Unlike managed care plans (HMO, PPO, EPO), indemnity plans do not use provider networks. There are no referral requirements and no restrictions on which providers the member can see. Submit claims to the payer listed above for reimbursement at the plan's allowed rate.

HDHP

Under this HDHP prefix, the member's plan has a higher deductible than traditional coverage. This affects patient cost-sharing but does not change how claims are submitted or processed. Use the same payer ID, claims address, and filing procedures listed above. Verify the member's remaining deductible before estimating patient responsibility.

About Empire Blue Cross Blue Shield

Part of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, serving New York members with commercial, Medicare and Medicaid plans.