Q1: What is the BluePerks discount program and how is it different from benefits covered under my health plan?
A1: The BluePerks discount program offers over one million BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members the advantage of discounts of up to a 30% discount on many non-covered services. The BluePerks discount program is not a covered benefit or service like physician office visits or hospital stays, nor do its discounts apply to such covered benefits. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee does not reimburse members or pay practitioners for any portion of the cost associated with services accessed through the BluePerks program. Members are responsible for the entire cost of all services they receive from BluePerks participating practitioners. BluePerks is merely a discount program. The terms and conditions of your health plan do not apply to services available through BluePerks.
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Q2: What is Complementary Alternative Medicine (CAM)?
A2: Alternative medicine includes a variety of therapies that work to increase wellness, prevent illness and address existing symptoms and conditions. Increasingly, many medical professionals regard alternative medicine as complementary to conventional medicine. In fact, it is sometimes referred to as “complementary alternative medicine.” Complementary alternative medicine may include: acupuncture, stress management (including yoga, meditation, guided imagery, biofeedback (or other mind-body techniques), massage therapy/somatic education, fitness centers and personal trainers, spas and nutritional counseling.
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Q3: Does the BluePerks discount program apply to services covered under my current health plan?
A3: No. BluePerks discounts do not apply to services covered under your BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee health plan. BluePerks applies only to some non-covered services.
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Q4: Is there a charge for the BluePerks discount program?
A4: No, there is no additional cost for the BluePerks discount program. It is a value-added program offered by BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee to its members.
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Q5: How do I access BluePerks discounts?
A5: To receive the BluePerks program discount:

• Simply return to the BluePerks home page and click on the "BluePerks Practitioners" section OR call the BluePerks customer service line at 1-800-227-5911 to locate participating practitioners in your area.
• Call a participating BluePerks practitioner to make an appointment.
• Present your BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee membership ID card at the time of your appointment, the same one you use when you visit a doctor or hospital.
• Pay the practitioner's normal published fees, less the BluePerks discount (discounts may vary). You are responsible for the entire cost of all services you receive from a BluePerks practitioner.

Q6: What if I forget my BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee membership ID card at the time of service?
A6: You must have your BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee membership ID card with you at the time of service to receive the discount.
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Q7: Do I need a referral from my doctor to use the discount program?
A7: No, but you should tell your doctor before beginning an exercise program or new form of therapy. BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee recommends that you always seek the advice of your physician before beginning any new treatment or if you have any questions regarding a medical condition. And, you should tell your alternative health services practitioner or wellness instructor if you are under a doctor’s care, taking medication or being treated for a health condition.
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Q8: Are chiropractic services covered under the BluePerks discount program?
A8: No. Chiropractic services are covered under most health insurance plans and should be filed for medical benefits determination.
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Q9: Does the money I spend on services accessed through the BluePerks discount program count towards my health plan’s annual deductible or coinsurance maximum?
A9: No. Services accessed through the program are not considered covered benefits of your health plan. Therefore, the cost of these services does not count toward your health plan deductible or coinsurance maximum.
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Q10: Can BluePerks discounts be combined with any other discounts offered by a participating practitioner?
A10: No. You cannot combine discounts. Only one discount offer per service applies.
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Q11: If I use a practitioner who does not participate in the BluePerks CAM program at the time of service, but joins later, can I get the discount on my previous visit?
A11: No, but you can get the discount on future visits by presenting your BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee membership ID card at the time of service.
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Q12: What types of practitioners participate in the BluePerks discount program?
A12: BluePerks offers a broad category of practitioners, including acupuncturists, stress management (including yoga, meditation, guided imagery, biofeedback or other mind-body techniques) professionals, massage therapists, personal trainers, spa technicians, nutrition counselors and Tai Chi and Qi Gong instructors.
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Q13: What qualifications do participating BluePerks practitioners have?
A13: All participating practitioners are screened and managed by American WholeHealth, Inc., a select nationwide group of more than 28,000 affiliated practitioners in 36 Complementary Alternative Medicine disciplines. Following a rigorous application process, practitioners are reviewed by a committee of peer practitioners who participate in the program. Acceptance into the program is based on particular training, licensure, and experience requirements.
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Q14: Am I limited to practitioners in my area?
A14: No. You can use any of the more than 28,000 participating BluePerks practitioners across the country.
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Q15: Who is American WholeHealth, Inc. (AWH)?
A15: American WholeHealth, Inc. (AWH) is the nation’s largest and fastest-growing provider of alternative health and wellness practitioners. AWH is the leading provider of complementary and alternative health and wellness solutions for consumers, medical professionals and health plans. The company’s core business focuses on providing alternative medicine benefit management to health care plans throughout the country.
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Q16: Are all BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members eligible for the BluePerks program?
A16: No. Although more than one million BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members are eligible for the program, certain government and special accounts tied to specific contracts terms are not eligible at this time.
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Q17: I am very interested in the BluePerks discount program but I am not currently a BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee member. Can I purchase just the BluePerks discount program?
A17: BluePerks is a value-added service exclusively for BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee members and cannot be sold separately.
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Q18: If I’m not already a BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee member, whom can I contact for more information about health plans that include the BluePerks program?
A18: If you receive health Insurance coverage through your employer, please contact your group benefits administrator regarding BlueCross BlueShield of Tennessee and the BluePerks discount program, or, if you buy insurance directly, call 1-800-565-9140 for more information about health plans that include this exciting new program.
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