BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Inc. (BCBST) is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, based in Chattanooga. It is not Anthem (BCBST behavioral health notice).
Checked 10/1/26. Source: BCBST Provider Administration Manual (2025 edition).
Quick facts
| Paper claims | BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee, Claims Service Center, 1 Cameron Hill Circle, Ste 0002, Chattanooga, TN 37402-0002 (manual) |
|---|---|
| Timely filing (commercial) | Six months from date of service for individual providers; six months from discharge for facilities. Secondary: 60 days from the primary payer's notice |
| Provider phone, commercial | 1-800-924-7141 (Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. ET) |
| FEP | 1-800-831-2583 |
| BlueCard eligibility | 1-800-676-2583 |
| Credentialing department | 1-800-924-7141 |
| Provider website | provider.bcbst.com |
| State regulator | Tennessee Department of Commerce and Insurance, 615-741-2218 |
| UM appeals | Written, to the Clinical Review Supervisor, 1 Cameron Hill Circle, Ste 0017, Chattanooga, TN 37402; fax 423-591-9451 |
Plans in the manual
BCBST's manual covers Blue Networks, the Federal Employee Program, Postal Service Health Benefits, BlueAdvantage (Medicare Advantage), BlueCare and TennCare Select (Medicaid), BlueCare Plus and Cover Tennessee. Medicaid and Medicare Advantage follow their own rules. Do not apply the commercial filing limit to them.
Behavioral health
BCBST manages behavioral health utilization review itself. Prior authorization is at 1-800-924-7141 and fax 1-866-558-0789. After-hours requests go through Availity (BCBST notice).
Credentialing
Three steps: complete your CAQH ProView profile, use the Optum Payer Enrollment Services portal, then register and file the enrollment application in Availity (enroll a provider).
Electronic claims
Confirm BCBST's current payer ID in your Availity enrollment or with BCBST's eBusiness Service Center (423-535-5717, option 2).
Telehealth
BCBST announced permanent in-network telehealth in 2020, including behavioral health (BCBST news). Check the current manual for billing details.
Frequently asked questions
How long do I have to file a BCBST commercial claim?
Six months from the date of service for individual providers. Facilities have six months from discharge. Secondary claims are due 60 days from the primary payer's notice.
Is BCBST the same as Anthem?
No. BCBST is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association, based in Chattanooga.
Who manages behavioral health for BCBST?
BCBST manages behavioral health utilization review itself. Prior authorization is at 1-800-924-7141.
How MCM South helps with BCBS Tennessee
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 Tennessee 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 Tennessee 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.