June 8, 2026
Beginning July 18, 2026, providers will be able to digitally access prior authorization and referral approval and denial letters communicated by Blue Cross and Blue Shield of New Mexico for commercial members through the Availity Essentials portal. Providers will be able to view and securely download these letters online, in addition to receiving these letters via the U.S. Postal Service.
Prior authorization and referral approval and denial letters for government programs members will be available through the Availity Essentials portal at a later date.
Starting on July 18, 2026, you’ll be able to access these letters through the Provider Correspondence Viewer within the branded Payer Spaces section of Availity for commercial members. This tool provides a centralized, secure location for efficient access to and review of payer communications and supporting documentation regarding prior authorization and referral approvals and denials. Prior authorizations and referrals issued to you by third-party vendors will not be accessible digitally within the PCV application, and will continue to be communicated to providers through current channels.
On and after Sept. 8, 2026, prior authorization approval and referral approval letters communicated by BCBSNM for commercial members will no longer be mailed via USPS. Access to these approval letters for commercial members will only be available through the Availity Essentials portal on and after Sept. 8, 2026. Prior authorization denial and referral denial letters communicated by BCBSNM will continue to be mailed via USPS as well as available for review digitally.
To learn more about current functionality, refer to Provider Correspondence Viewer. If you have additional questions or need education, you may contact our Provider Education Consultants.
Opting out: More information and instructions will be provided soon for those who prefer to continue receiving prior authorization and referral approval letters for commercial members by mail.
More information: We’ll share detailed guidance in future communication outlining how both local and out-of-area providers can access and obtain these letters. Watch News and Updates for upcoming notices.
Always check eligibility and benefits first, via Availity Essentials or your preferred web vendor, prior to rendering care and services. In addition to verifying membership, coverage status and other important details, this step returns information on prior authorization and referral requirements and utilization management vendors, if applicable.
Availity is a trademark of Availity, LLC, an independent company that operates a health information network to facilitate electronic information exchange for healthcare professionals. Availity provides administrative services to BCBSNM. BCBSNM does not endorse or warrant the products and services of third-party vendors.