Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona does business as AZ Blue and is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association (About us). It is a nonprofit based in Arizona with offices in Phoenix, Flagstaff and Tucson.
Checked 10/1/26.
Quick facts
| Blue company | Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue) |
|---|---|
| Claims route | Availity Essentials, AZ Blue Payer Space (electronic options) |
| Payer ID | Confirm the current payer ID in the AZ Blue Payer Space in Availity. |
| Provider Assistance Team | 1-844-995-2583 |
| Care Management | 1-877-475-8449 |
| Provider resources | azblue.com/provider/resources |
| Appeals | Appeals and grievances page; the Provider Operating Guide (Section 21) governs |
| State regulator | Arizona Department of Insurance and Financial Institutions |
Private payer: other AZ Blue lines
AZ Blue also runs Medicare Advantage, ACA StandardHealth with Health Choice, and BlueDental. These have their own plan prefixes and, for ACA StandardHealth, their own payer ID. Check the member's ID card prefix before you submit (claims and remits).
Private payer: telehealth
AZ Blue says its fully insured group and individual (under 65) plans include telehealth. Codes and modifiers are in the Provider Operating Guide (telehealth page).
Medicaid and Medicare
Medicare Advantage and Health Choice claims use different payers and paper boxes. Do not mix them with commercial.
Arizona Blue is its own company
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona (AZ Blue) is an independent licensee. Its provider portal is moving to Availity Essentials, and the plan has not printed a date. The Provider Assistance Team handles eligibility, benefits, prior authorization and claim status at 1-844-995-2583. AZ Blue's Health Choice plans (ACA, Medicaid and Medicare Advantage) are a separate line of business with separate rules.
What to do Monday morning with Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona claims
- Read the member card and confirm the product.
- Verify eligibility and benefits before the visit.
- Use AZ Blue's provider materials for the member's own product. Do not apply Health Choice rules to commercial members.
- Watch the AZ Blue provider newsletter for the portal move to Availity.
Frequently asked questions
Is AZ Blue the same as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona?
Yes. AZ Blue is the brand name of Blue Cross Blue Shield of Arizona.
Where do I find the Arizona payer ID?
Check the AZ Blue Payer Space in Availity for the current payer ID before you submit claims.
Does AZ Blue cover telehealth?
AZ Blue says its fully insured group and individual (under 65) plans include telehealth. Codes and modifiers are in the Provider Operating Guide.
Is AZ Blue the same as other Blue plans?
No. It describes itself as an independent licensee of the Blue Cross and Blue Shield Association.
Do Health Choice rules apply to commercial AZ Blue members?
No. Health Choice plans are a separate line of business with their own rules.
Who do I call for eligibility and claim status?
The Provider Assistance Team at 1-844-995-2583.
Questions to ask before you bill
Every Blue Cross and Blue Shield company is independent. Rules from one plan do not carry to another, and the member card shows which plan pays. For accurate timely filing, confirm the information when completing the patient insurance benefits verification. Keep proof of every submission, and use the plan's own portal for appeals. MCM South serves psychotherapists and psychiatrists. This guide is operational information, not legal advice.
Related billing guides
- Credentialing with insurance companies
- In-network vs out-of-network credentialing
- Credentialing and network status
- Denied and rejected claims follow-up and appeals
- Electronic claims submission
- Billing terms glossary
- Who MCM South serves
Sources, checked 10/15/26: AZ Blue providers, AZ Blue March 2026 provider newsletter.
How MCM South helps
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 an AZ Blue 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 AZ Blue 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.