Effective January 1, 2016, Anthem Blue Cross is requiring that all submission of patient medical records indicate the corresponding Anthem member identification (ID) number. According to Anthem, the new requirement will aid in identifying submitted medical records and reduce the number of repeat requests for medical records.

Practices submitting medical records should indicate the member ID number exactly as it appears on the Anthem member ID card (including the prefix) on the first page of each medical records submission. Anthem will attempt to match the ID number to the associated member in its system. Practices submitting medical records without the member ID number indicated, or where the ID number cannot be identified, will receive a letter from Anthem advising that the member cannot be identified and requiring the provider to resubmit the documentation with the member ID number.