Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of Iowa's web page will allow you to search for providers in the Blue POS Network (UIChoice) and the Blue HMO Network (UISelect). The networks are the same; both can be searched using the prefix ‘XQW.’

Searching for a provider in your area

From the main Wellmark.com webpage:

1. Begin on Wellmark's website.
2. Find the Member Resources tab and select the arrow to show a dropdown menu. From the menu, select the link labeled "Find a Provider."
3. You should now be on the "Find an in-network health care provider" page.
4. Select the blue button labeled "Search Now," and you will see a pop-up box that states, "You are now leaving Wellmark.com." Select the blue button, "Continue to New Site."
5. You should now see a blue section with a microscope. Select the white button labeled "Choose a location and plan."
6. On the next screen, you can enter an address, a city, a zip code, or even allow the site to use your current location to begin your search. Once entered, the site will ask you if what is pulled up is correct. If so, select the green button. 
7. You should now see a picture of a BCBS ID card with three boxes underneath. Enter “XQW” for UIChoice or UISelect, and select the green "Continue" button. 
8. The next page is where you can search by:
   • Providers by name, providers by specialty (e.g., primary care provider, OB/GYN, mental health, or telehealth), places by name, places by type, or even search all if needed. 

The National Provider Locator (outside of Iowa and South Dakota) can be used to search for Level 3 providers under UIChoice - and for providers outside of Iowa and South Dakota in the case of an emergency or for those with a Guest Membership under UISelect. 

The BlueCard Traditional network is used for UIChoice and UISelect to search outside Iowa.

1. Go to Wellmark's National Provider Locator page
2. Choose a location
3. Select a plan  - select by plan name (do NOT use the prefix XQW), use “Or, select by plan name”
4. Select “BlueCard Traditional” (this is the network used when searching outside of Iowa and South Dakota)
5. Type a name or phrase to find doctors, hospitals, and more

You take your healthcare benefits abroad as a Blue Cross and Blue Shield member. You can access doctors and hospitals worldwide through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global® Core program.

• Always carry your current member ID card.
• Before you travel, contact BCBS of Iowa for coverage details. Coverage outside the United States may be different.
• Call the Service Center for Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core at 1-800-810-2583 to locate a doctor or hospital. If necessary, an assistance coordinator and a medical professional will arrange a physician appointment or hospitalization.
• Call the Service Center to arrange direct billing if you need inpatient care. In most cases, you should not pay upfront for inpatient care except for the out-of-pocket expenses (non-covered services, deductible, copay, and coinsurance) you usually pay. The hospital should submit the claim on your behalf.
• You may need to pay upfront for outpatient and doctor care or inpatient care not arranged through the Service Center. Complete a Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core International claim form and send it with the bill(s) to the Service Center (the address is on the form). You can also submit your claim online or through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core mobile app. The claim form is available from Wellmark BCBS of Iowa or online at www.bcbsglobalcore.com.
• In an emergency, go directly to the nearest hospital.

To learn more about Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core:

• Visit www.bcbsglobalcore.com.
• Use the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core app from your smartphone. 
• Call Wellmark BCBS of Iowa.
• Call the Service Center at 1-800-810-2583, 24 hours a day, seven days a week.
  The Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core program was formerly known as BlueCard Worldwide®.
• In addition to contacting the Service Center, call Wellmark BCBS of Iowa for pre-certification or pre-authorization. Refer to the phone number on the back of your member ID card. Note: This number is different from the phone number listed below.

A physician specialist focuses on a specific area of medicine or a group of patients to diagnose, manage, prevent, or treat specific symptoms and conditions. (e.g., allergist, cardiologist, dermatologist, neurologist, ophthalmologist, orthopedics)

A non-physician specialist is a provider with more training in a specific area of health care. (e.g., chiropractor, physical therapist, speech pathologist, occupational therapist) 

There are times with specific populations where it could be more likely that Doctor on Demand would advise the person to seek in-person care due to potential complications, for example, a newborn or an older adult with multiple health issues. However, in general, there are no specific age restrictions. 

*NOTE: Another resource available exclusively to Wellmark members is BeWell 24/7. Health Care professionals can help answer your questions. In addition, the member can find the phone number on their health insurance card.

Participating vs. Non-Participating Providers

In Iowa, participating providers will accept payment arrangements and file claims for you with BCBS. Payment is made directly to these providers.

Non-participating providers do not have contracts with BCBS. They do not agree to accept payment arrangements and are not responsible for filing claims for you. Non-participating providers may charge more for health care than participating providers. Payment is made to you from Wellmark, and you are responsible for paying the provider. Non-participating providers can bill you for the difference between what BCBS will pay for a service and what they charge (balance billing).

When you are out of state, using a participating BCBS provider will lower out-of-pocket costs, and the out-of-pocket maximum for Levels 1 and 2 will apply to these providers. In addition, if you receive care in a state that allows balance billing, using a participating BCBS provider should lower the balance bill.

If you receive emergency care for covered services and cannot reasonably reach a participating provider, emergency room care received during the emergency will be reimbursed as though the member obtained the services from a participating provider. In addition, you will be billed a $125 copay, which will be waived if you are admitted.

An emergency is considered a medical condition that a prudent layperson (with an average knowledge of health and medicine) could reasonably expect to seriously jeopardize a person’s health without immediate medical attention. Therefore, emergency services must be provided to the member in an emergency room (not an urgent care center or physician’s office).

Out of State  

If you are in a state other than Iowa and require medical care, you may call Wellmark BCBS of Iowa at (800) 810-BLUE (2583) for assistance in locating the closest participating provider in that state. You can also find providers in other states through the Wellmark website. For covered services received in a state other than Iowa, there are advantages to using providers who participate in the BCBS plan in that state.

Out of Country  

Suppose it is necessary to receive covered services in a country other than the United States. In that case, it is advisable to contact BCBS for assistance locating the closest participating provider in that country.