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The Empire Referral Form plays a crucial role in the process of accessing specialized medical services for patients enrolled in certain health plans. This form is designed for use by primary care physicians who need to refer patients to participating specialists within the Empire network. It captures vital patient information, including names, dates of birth, and unique patient IDs, all while ensuring that essential fields are completed accurately; missing information can lead to delays or rejections of referrals. The form also requires details about both the referring physician and the specialist, such as provider IDs and contact information. Importantly, certain services, like inpatient admissions or home care, require separate authorization from Empire Medical Management, highlighting the form’s limitations. Valid referrals typically remain effective for 90 days, which adds an essential time constraint to the planned services. The Empire Referral Form ensures patients receive coordinated care while also adhering to the guidelines and requirements set forth by their health plans, including HMO, Child Health Plus, and others. Understanding how to properly complete this form can significantly streamline access to the specialized care patients need.

Empire Referral Example

Managed Care Referral Form

PO BOX 1407, Church Street Station

New York, New York 10008- 1407

Fax no. 1-800-522-5793

www.empireblue.com

Reference no.

N

PCP’s Tracking no. (Optional/not required)

Referrals are not valid for the following services; please contact Empire Medical Management at 1-800-441-2411 for approval of these services:

}

Non-participating Provider’s

} Inpatient Admission to Hospital/Facilities

}

Emergency/Maternity Admissions

}

Home Care, Hospice, Private Duty Nursing (at home)

}

Empire Baby Care

}

Surgery not performed in doctor’s office

Health Plans that require a referral to an Empire participating provider are:

}HMO

}Child Health Plus

}Healthy NY

}Direct Pay HMO

}Direct Pay HMO/POS

* Required field. If any required field is missing, the referral will not be accepted.

Section 1. PATIENT INFORMATION

*Patient ID no.

---

*Patient last name

Policyholder last name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

*Date of birth (MM/DD/YYYY)

*Patient first name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Policyholder last name

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

MI

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Section 2. REFERRING PHYSICIAN INFORMATION

*Provider last name

*Provider first name

MI

Service address

*Empire provider ID or NPI

 

Phone no.

Section 3. REFERRING TO INFORMATION

 

 

 

 

*Specialist last name

 

*Specialist first name

 

 

 

 

MI

Service address

*Empire provider ID or NPI

Phone no.

Section 4. AUTHORIZATION INFORMATION

Referrals are valid for 90 daysfrom the service start date unless otherwise specified. Please remember Authorized Services are subject to Limitations/Exclusions of Contract.

No. of visits

*Service start date (MM/DD/YYYY)

*Service end date (MM/DD/YYYY)

Referral reason/remarks/limitations

*Signature of referring physician

*Date (MM/DD/YYYY)

 

Services provided by Empire HealthChoice HMO, Inc. and/or Empire HealthChoice Assurance, Inc., licensees of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association, an association of independent Blue Cross and Blue Shield plans.

 

12895NYPEN 3/10

The Blue Cross and Blue Shield names and symbols are registered marks of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.

1

 

 

File Breakdown

Fact Name Description
Provider Requirements Referrals must be made to Empire participating providers, primarily for HMO plans, including Child Health Plus and Healthy NY.
Referral Validity Referrals are valid for 90 days from the service start date unless stated otherwise.
Authorization Contact For certain services not covered by standardized referrals, contact Empire Medical Management at 1-800-441-2411 for approval.
Required Information All required fields must be completed; missing information will result in non-acceptance of the referral.

Guide to Using Empire Referral

Once you have the Empire Referral form ready, filling it out accurately is essential for a smooth referral process. Follow the steps carefully to ensure all required information is provided, as incomplete forms cannot be accepted. After completing the form, you will submit it according to the specified guidelines, which include mailing or faxing it to the designated address.

  1. Begin by filling in the Patient Information section. Include the Patient ID number, last name, first name, middle initial, date of birth, and policyholder's last name and middle initial.
  2. Next, proceed to the Referring Physician Information section. Enter the provider's last name, first name, middle initial, service address, Empire provider ID or NPI, and phone number.
  3. Then, move on to the Referring To Information section. Provide the specialist’s last name, first name, middle initial, service address, Empire provider ID or NPI, and phone number.
  4. In the Authorization Information section, specify the number of visits, the start and end dates of the service in MM/DD/YYYY format, and the reason for the referral, including any remarks or limitations.
  5. Finally, sign and date the form in the designated area, ensuring the date is in MM/DD/YYYY format.

Get Answers on Empire Referral

What is the Empire Referral form?

The Empire Referral form is a document required for patients who need authorization to see a specialist within the Empire healthcare network. This form ensures that services are covered under specific health plans and helps facilitate necessary medical care.

Which health plans require the use of the Empire Referral form?

Health plans that require a referral to an Empire participating provider include:

  • HMO
  • Child Health Plus
  • Healthy NY
  • Direct Pay HMO
  • Direct Pay HMO/POS

What information is required to complete the Empire Referral form?

Certain fields must be completed for the form to be accepted. Required information includes:

  1. Patient's ID number
  2. Patient's last name and first name, including middle initial
  3. Policyholder's last name
  4. Date of birth
  5. Referring physician's details, including their name, service address, and provider ID or NPI
  6. Specialist’s details, including their name, service address, and provider ID or NPI
  7. Authorization information with service start and end dates
  8. Signature of the referring physician

What happens if a required field is missing?

If any required field is left blank, the form will not be accepted. It’s important to double-check all entries before submitting to avoid delays in the referral process.

How long is the referral valid for?

Referrals are generally valid for 90 days from the service start date unless stated otherwise on the form. It’s important to schedule appointments within this timeframe to ensure coverage.

Are there services that the referral does not cover?

Referrals do not cover certain services, and it’s advisable to contact Empire Medical Management at 1-800-441-2411 for pre-approval for the following:

  • Non-participating providers
  • Inpatient admissions to hospitals or facilities
  • Emergency or maternity admissions
  • Home care, hospice, or private duty nursing
  • Empire Baby Care
  • Surgery not performed in a doctor’s office

Where can the completed form be submitted?

Completed Empire Referral forms can be mailed to: PO BOX 1407, Church Street Station, New York, New York 10008-1407. Alternatively, they can be sent via fax to 1-800-522-5793. Please make sure to keep a copy for your records.

How can one find more information about the Empire Referral process?

For further details regarding the Empire Referral form or specific queries about your patient's needs, you can visit the official website at www.empireblue.com or contact customer service for assistance.

Common mistakes

Filling out the Empire Referral form can be tricky, and mistakes can lead to delays in receiving care. One common mistake is omitting required fields. Certain information is mandatory for the referral to be accepted. If any of these essential fields are left blank, the form will be rejected, causing unnecessary delays.

Another frequent error involves entering incorrect patient information. This includes mistakes in the patient’s name, date of birth, or insurance details. Providing inaccurate data can create issues when processing the referral. It’s crucial to double-check all entries before submitting the form.

People often overlook the specific requirements for the referring physician's information as well. Missing or incorrect information in the provider's details, such as name, service address, or provider ID, may lead to the referral not being processed. All sections must be completed carefully.

Many individuals do not specify the service start and end dates. Referrals are only valid for 90 days unless otherwise noted. Failure to provide these dates can cause confusion about the duration and validity of the referral.

Another mistake is neglecting to include the reason for the referral. This section is important for the review process, and skipping this can lead to delays. Providing detailed remarks helps ensure the referral is processed smoothly.

Some people forget to sign and date the form. Without the physician's signature, the referral holds no validity. Always ensure this step is complete to avoid unnecessary complications.

Lastly, not checking for adherence to the limitations and exclusions stated in the policy can lead to unexpected issues. Understanding what services require pre-approval is essential. Failure to comply with these requirements could result in denials for care that might be needed.

Documents used along the form

The Empire Referral form is an essential document for obtaining referrals to participating providers under various health plans. When completing the referral process, there are additional forms and documents that may be necessary to ensure all requirements are met. Below is a list of these documents, along with a brief description of each.

  • Patient Registration Form: This document gathers essential information about the patient, including contact details, insurance information, and medical history, necessary for the healthcare provider's records.
  • Authorization Form: Required for certain procedures, this form verifies that an insurance provider will cover specific services. It typically includes details about the service, provider, and duration of coverage.
  • Encounter Form: Used by healthcare providers to document patient visits. This form includes details about the services rendered and often serves as part of the billing process.
  • Claim Form: This document is submitted to an insurance company to request payment for services rendered. It provides detailed information about the patient, provider, and services provided.
  • Continuation of Care Form: This form is often used when a patient is transitioning from one provider to another. It ensures that ongoing treatments are documented and authorized by the appropriate parties.
  • Specialist Referral Form: Similar to the Empire Referral form, this document specifically authorizes a referral to a specialist. It includes patient and provider information pertinent to the specialist visit.
  • Medical Records Release Form: This document allows healthcare providers to share a patient’s medical records with other providers or entities. It is essential for ensuring continuity of care.

Each of these forms plays a critical role in the healthcare process. Having the appropriate documentation will help facilitate communication and ensure that services are covered under the patient's health plan. For successful navigation through the referral process, it is advisable to review the specific requirements related to each form.

Similar forms

  • Prior Authorization Form: Similar to the Empire Referral form, this document also requires patient and provider information. It is used to obtain approval before specific medical services, ensuring they meet insurance criteria.
  • Specialist Referral Form: Like the Empire Referral form, this document specifically details information about the referring physician and the specialist. It is typically used to guide patients to the appropriate care.
  • Insurance Claim Form: Both forms require detailed identification of the patient and treatment information. However, an insurance claim form is submitted after services are rendered to seek reimbursement.
  • Health Assessment Form: This form gathers patient health information similar to section one of the Empire Referral form. It can help in understanding patient needs and treatment history.
  • Referral Tracking Form: Much like the Empire Referral form, it tracks referrals' progress and status, often including a unique tracking number for monitoring.
  • Authorization for Release of Information Form: This document, like the Empire Referral form, may require signatures and is used to authorize the sharing of patient medical records for the purpose of referral.
  • Patient Intake Form: It collects information about the patient which is similar to the information collected in the Empire Referral form's patient section, aimed at preparing the provider for the patient's visit.
  • Continuity of Care Form: This document ensures that relevant health information is transferred between providers, similar to how the Empire Referral form facilitates communication between referring and specialty providers.
  • Authorization to Treat Form: Both forms require consent from the patient or their representative. This authorization declares that the patient agrees to receive specific healthcare services.

Dos and Don'ts

When filling out the Empire Referral form, it is crucial to pay attention to detail. Here are nine important guidelines you should follow:

  • Do ensure all required fields are filled out completely.
  • Don’t attempt to leave mandatory fields blank; doing so will result in rejection of the referral.
  • Do include accurate patient and provider information.
  • Don’t use non-participating providers without prior approval from Empire Medical Management.
  • Do specify the reason for the referral clearly.
  • Don’t forget to sign and date the form where required.
  • Do check that the service dates are correct and compliant with the 90-day validity period.
  • Don’t select services that require separate approval without a prior discussion.
  • Do verify the Empire provider ID or NPI numbers before submission.

Following these guidelines helps ensure smooth processing of your referral requests and minimizes delays.

Misconceptions

  • Misconception 1: The Empire Referral form can be submitted without filling all required fields.
  • Misconception 2: Any medical service automatically gets approval with this form.
  • Misconception 3: Referrals are valid indefinitely once submitted.
  • Misconception 4: All healthcare providers are eligible for referrals through this form.
  • Misconception 5: You don’t need to specify the number of visits on the referral.
  • Misconception 6: The referring physician’s signature is optional.
  • Misconception 7: Patients can see any specialist they want without a referral.
  • Misconception 8: Faxing the referral form is unnecessary if it's submitted online.
  • Misconception 9: The referral can be completed without checking authorization limits or exclusions.

These misconceptions can lead to confusion and delays in care. It’s best to understand the requirements and the purpose of the Empire Referral form to ensure smooth and efficient processing.

Key takeaways

When utilizing the Empire Referral Form, consider the following key points for successful completion and submission:

  • Required fields must be completed. If any required fields are missing, the referral will not be accepted.
  • Provide accurate patient information. Include the patient ID number, last name, first name, middle initial, and date of birth.
  • Include the policyholder's name alongside the patient’s details. This ensures correct association with insurance coverage.
  • Ensure correct provider information. Fill in the referring physician's last name, first name, middle initial, service address, provider ID or NPI, and phone number.
  • Specify the specialist's information in Section 3, including their last name, first name, middle initial, service address, provider ID or NPI, and phone number.
  • State the reason for the referral clearly. Include relevant remarks and any limitations or exclusions if applicable.
  • Authorization lasts for 90 days. The referral is valid starting from the service start date unless indicated otherwise.
  • Check on any non-valid services. Referrals for non-participating providers, inpatient admissions, and emergency admissions are not accepted without prior approval.
  • Familiarize yourself with the health plans requiring referrals. These include HMO, Child Health Plus, Healthy NY, and Direct Pay HMO.
  • Fax the completed form to the designated number, which is 1-800-522-5793. Ensure the form is sent to the correct address for processing.