Caution Urged When Completing Blue Cross ‘Transparency Initiative’ Questionnaire
[Posted 01/18/07]

Many physicians recently received a letter from Blue Cross, requesting completion of the plan’s “Transparency Initiative” questionnaire. The initiative, according to Blue Cross, is intended to help patients research their health care options and evaluate the quality of care offered by hospitals and physicians. Participation is voluntary and the information collected will be posted on the Blue Cross “Provider Finder” website.

Physicians should be aware that the questionnaire asks for their CAQH, UPIN, NPI, and DEA numbers. Blue Cross has assured CMA that these numbers are for internal use only and will not be shared with patients.

CMA is concerned, however, particularly about the request for DEA numbers. The Drug Enforcement Agency discourages the use or disclosure of DEA numbers for purposes other than verifying authorization to prescribe controlled substances, as unnecessary disclosure of this sensitive data increases the risk of prescription fraud and drug abuse. For more information, see CMA ON-CALL document #0515, “Drug Prescribing: Unauthorized.” ON-CALL documents are free to members at the members-only website. Nonmembers can purchase ON-CALL documents for $2 per page in the CMA bookstore.

CMA also urges physicians to think carefully about releasing their NPI, UPIN, or CAQH numbers to anyone, including insurance carriers, unless there is a demonstrated need for them to have access to this information. While this data is required on claims and other paperwork, it is superfluous to this questionnaire. Physicians who wish to complete the questionnaire can leave these fields blank.

Contact: CMA’s reimbursement help line, 888/401-5911.