NHQ

BCBS Prefix NHQ

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

Maryland/District of Columbia/Northern Virginia • EPO, PPO, 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 NHQ

EPO

EPO coverage under this prefix means the member must use network providers but does not need referrals for specialist visits. This plan type is becoming more common as it offers lower premiums than PPO plans while providing more flexibility than HMOs. Verify network status before providing services.

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.

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.