R4M

BCBS Prefix R4M

CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

Maryland/District of Columbia/Northern Virginia • PPO, Medicare Advantage, EPO

Billing essentials

Provider phone
(800) 842-5975
Electronic payer ID
00580
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 R4M

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.

Medicare Advantage

This prefix is associated with Medicare Advantage. MA plans combine hospital (Part A) and medical (Part B) coverage, and many include prescription drug coverage (Part D). When billing, confirm whether the plan uses the same payer ID for MA claims as for commercial claims, as many BCBS companies use separate IDs.

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.

About CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield

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