Wellmark Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Iowa's web page will allow you to search for providers in the Blue Choice Network (UIChoice) and the Blue Access Network (UISelect). 

Searching for a provider in your area

The networks are the same and both can be searched by using the prefix ‘XQW’.

  1. Go to the Wellmark Find a Provider page
  2. Select “Find a provider or facility.”
  3. A message will appear letting you know “You are now leaving Wellmark.com” – select “Continue to New Site”
  4. Choose a location and plan – ex. Iowa City, IA
  5. Find your plan by prefix – use “XQW” for UIChoice or UISelect
  6. Search by Doctors by name, Doctors by specialty, Places by name, Places by type

Searching for a National Provider 

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 that have a Guest Membership under UISelect. 

The BlueCard Traditional network is used for both UIChoice and UISelect.

  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

Searching for providers while Traveling International or Living Abroad

As a Blue Cross and Blue Shield member, you take your healthcare benefits with you when you are abroad. Through the Blue Cross Blue Shield Global® Core program, you have access to doctors and hospitals around the world.

  • Always carry your current member ID card.
  • Before you travel, contact Blue Cross and Blue Shield (BCBS) of Iowa for coverage details. Coverage outside the United States may be different.
  • If you need to locate a doctor or hospital, call the Service Center for Blue Cross Blue Shield Global Core at 1-800-810-2583. An assistance coordinator, in conjunction with a medical professional, will arrange a physician appointment or hospitalization if necessary.
  • If you need inpatient care, call the Service Center to arrange direct billing. In most cases, you should not need to pay upfront for inpatient care except for the out-of-pocket expenses (non-covered services, deductible, copay, and coinsurance) you normally pay. The hospital should submit the claim on your behalf.
  • For outpatient and doctor care or inpatient care not arranged through the Service Center, you may need to pay upfront. 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 smart phone. 
  • 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.