Independence is dedicated to maintaining the highest standard of care and 
service for our members, providers, and
the communities we serve. Information about our Quality Management Program is 
accessible on our 
website. The website includes a description of our Quality 
Management Program,
including program goals, objectives, and activities to improve clinical, 
network, and service quality.
Please review the following standards with your staff to ensure that your 
office maintains the required access,
documentation, and quality care expected of our network providers:
- Access and availability standards. Independence standards ensure 
that our managed care networks are
adequate to meet the needs of our members with respect to location and 
appointment accessibility for primary and
specialty care as well as urgent and emergency care, in accordance with 
applicable regulatory requirements.
- Member rights and responsibilities. All Independence members have 
defined rights and responsibilities.
- Privacy and confidentiality. Independence, our contractors, and our 
affiliates are required to protect the privacy
and confidentiality of our members' personal and health information in 
accordance with state and federal regulatory
requirements.
- Utilization review. It is the policy of Independence that all 
utilization review decisions are based on the
appropriateness of health care services and supplies, in accordance with 
Independence's definition of medical
necessity and the benefits available under the member's coverage.
- Medical record-keeping standards. Well-maintained medical records 
are critical to facilitate communication,
continuity, coordination, and an effective plan of care. Accordingly, 
Independence standards require that medical
records are maintained in a manner that is current, detailed, and organized as 
required by applicable regulatory
requirements.
Information about our Quality Management Program and these standards can also 
be found in the 
Provider Manual
for Participating Professional Providers (Provider Manual) and the 
Hospital Manual for Participating Hospitals,
Ancillary Facilities, and Ancillary Providers (Hospital Manual), which are 
available through the NaviNet
® web portal.
Paper copies of the 
Provider Manual and 
Hospital Manual can be 
ordered by submitting an 
online request or by calling the Provider Supply Line at 
1-800-858-4728.
For more information about our Quality Management Program and our progress 
in meeting program goals, please
visit our website or call Customer Service at 1-800-ASK-BLUE. Members 
can request the same information by calling Customer Service.
NaviNet is a registered trademark of NaviNet, Inc., an 
independent company.