Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (About us). It is not Anthem and it is not part of any larger Blue group. Alabama rules apply to Alabama only.
Checked 10/1/26.
Quick facts
| Blue company | Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (Alabama Blue), Birmingham |
|---|---|
| Claims | Electronic only. The plan's eClaims guide says paper claims are not accepted |
| Payer ID | Not published in the plan's eClaims guide. Get it from your clearinghouse or Provider eSolutions |
| EDI help (Provider eSolutions) | 205-220-6899 |
| Provider site | providers.bcbsal.org (ProviderAccess portal) |
| Participating providers line | 1-877-231-7239 |
| Appeals (post-service) | Within 180 days of the claim decision. Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama Appeals, PO Box 10408, Birmingham, AL 35202-0408. Fax 205-220-9562 (appeal form and Q&A) |
| Behavioral health manager | Lucet Health (formerly New Directions), per the plan's behavioral health page |
| Lucet provider line | 1-888-611-6285, option 3. Lucet provider portal |
| State regulator | Alabama Department of Insurance |
Private payer: behavioral health
Alabama Blue uses Lucet as its behavioral health benefit manager. Therapists and psychiatrists contract and get authorizations through Lucet, not through the main provider line.
Private payer: credentialing
Alabama Blue's enrollment page lists the steps: documents, NPI, a specialty enrollment application and a network interest form. It points to CAQH. Behavioral health providers call Lucet. Enrollment is not a guarantee of network acceptance.
Medicare and Medicaid
Not covered on this page. Alabama Blue's commercial rules do not carry over to government plans.
Frequently asked questions
Does Alabama Blue accept paper claims?
No. Claims are electronic only, per the plan's eClaims guide.
How long do I have to appeal a denied claim?
Within 180 days of the claim decision for post-service appeals.
Who handles Alabama Blue behavioral health authorizations?
Lucet Health, formerly New Directions. Call 1-888-611-6285, option 3.
How MCM South helps with BCBS Alabama
MCM South bills Blue plans for psychotherapists and psychiatrists in the states we serve. We verify benefits, submit claims electronically, follow up on denials and appeals, and handle credentialing. Get a free quote. If a BCBS Alabama claim is denied or credentialing stalls, we follow up for you.
MCM South currently serves practices in GA, MA, CT, TX, FL, NY, CO, TN, NC and IL, and has worked in all 50 states. If your state is not on that list, ask us. This page is operational guidance for billing, not legal advice. For real financial or legal exposure, talk to your attorney or compliance officer.
Related: Blue Cross by State · How Blue Cross Blue Shield Works · Billing Terms Glossary · CPT and E/M Code Guide · Who We Serve.
This is the MCM South guide to BCBS Alabama for therapists and psychiatrists: where claims go, how appeals work, and what to check first.
Want a billing team that handles this for you? MCM South bills for psychotherapists and psychiatrists. Get a free quote.