SSO is the process that allows a registered Availity user to use a single log-in and password to gain direct access to iEXCHANGE for the submission of preauthorization* requests. SSO eliminates the need for the BCBSNM provider to utilize separate URLs to complete this function.

*Preauthorization is also known as pre-certification or pre-notification.

iEXCHANGE is a Web-based automated preauthorization tool for BCBSNM providers that supports direct submissions and provides online approval of benefits for medical/surgical inpatient admissions and select outpatient services 24 hours a day, 7 days a week.

Availity is a health information network that offers a multi-payer portal which gives physicians, hospitals and other health care providers access to multiple payers’ information through a single website and a single log-in and password (sign-on). Availity offers a variety of business and clinical solutions to help providers reduce administrative costs by eliminating paperwork and phone calls. One of the nation’s largest electronic health information networks, the Availity Health Information Network processes more than a billion transactions each year.

At this time all contracted medical/surgical providers may register for SSO. Note: Currently preauthorization for Behavioral/Mental Health services is not available through iEXCHANGE.

Yes. Your organization must be registered with Availity. Once your registration with Availity is complete, your organization’s primary account administrator (PAA) can request access to BCBSNM Preauthorization from their Availity account.

Depending on the service and details of your request, iEXCHANGE may return an auto-approval upon submission. A request that was pended will be reviewed and completed within 48 to 72 business hours of submission. In order to view an updated status, you can perform a treatment search. Also refer to the iEXCHANGE Tip Sheets.

SSO requests for access to BCBSNM preauthorization requests will take approximately 7-14 business days to be completed, inclusive of the time it takes to register for Availity.

The Availity PAA will receive an email confirmation and notification within the Availity message center within 7-14 business days indicating the registration request is complete.

A notification will be provided with the reason(s) the registration could not be approved, allowing you to correct and re-submit the request.

You can send an email inquiry to the BCBSNM SSO support team at enterprise_iexchange@bcbstx.com. Support staff will respond to your questions related to BCBSNM SSO registration. Please allow three business days (excluding holidays and weekends) to receive a response before re-submitting your inquiry.

If you have general questions or need training on how to use or manage your iEXCHANGE account, the BCBSNM iEXCHANGE Help Desk is available to assist you. Please email us at NM_iEXCHANGE_Help_Desk@hcsc.net.

No. You will be assigned a User ID with iEXCHANGE once you complete the BCBSNM SSO registration process through Availity.

If you are already registered with iEXCHANGE, you can continue to access iEXCHANGE directly as you do today, or register for SSO through Availity. iEXCHANGE will continue to be accessible while the SSO registration request is being processed.

Please visit the Availity portal at www.Availity.com to find out the requirements. You may also refer to the iEXCHANGE resources which are located in the Education and Reference/Tools section of our website.