February 27, 2006
Dear BlueChoice HMO/PPO Physician:
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Georgia (BCBSGa) appreciates your participation in the BlueChoice PPO and BlueChoice
HMO/POS networks.
It has been brought to our attention that there has been some confusion regarding BlueChoice PPO and/or BlueChoice
HMO/POS contracted laboratory providers. Specifically, a number of inquiries have been received from physicians asking if
lab services for BlueChoice PPO/HMO/POS members may be sent to Quest Diagnostics or Spectrum Lab Network.
Quest Diagnostics is no longer a contracted laboratory provider for either the BlueChoice PPO or the BlueChoice
HMO/POS network. Additionally, Spectrum Lab Network is not contracted with BCBSGa for any product.
Submitting lab services for BlueChoice PPO/HMO/POS members to either of these laboratory providers creates a
hardship for your patients, who may be balance billed by Quest Diagnostics or Spectrum Lab Network for these out of
network services, or may be subject to additional out of network deductibles and coinsurance amounts.
Please be reminded that the following clinical reference laboratories are participating in BCBSGa networks:
PPO
Augusta Laboratory
CK Laboratories
Dianon Systems, Inc.
Doctors Laboratory
Emory Dermopathology
Genecare Medical Genetics
Genzyme Genetics
Horizon Molecular
Laboratory Corporation of America (LabCorp)
Laboratory South
Mullins Pathology & Cytology
NTD Laboratories
Reproductive Laboratory of Augusta
Southeastern Pathology
Southeastern Pathology Associates
Statesboro Medical Lab
HMO/POS – LabCorp is the exclusive clinical reference laboratory. In addition to LabCorp, BCBSHP offers the
services of the following for a limited range of specialty services:
Dianon Systems, Inc.
Emory Genetics
Emory Dermopathology
Genecare Medical Genetics
Genzyme Genetics
Horizon Molecular
NTD Laboratories
Reproductive Laboratory of Augusta
In order to be in compliance with your PPO and HMO Physician Agreements, you are required to utilize an in-network
laboratory provider. We appreciate your cooperation with this issue and if you have any questions, please feel free to
contact your provider representative.
Sincerely,
Ronald B. Lawrence
Regional Vice President, Network Management
3350 Peachtree Road NE, P. O. Box 4445, Atlanta, GA 30302-4445
An Independent Licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association