Independence Blue Cross (IBX) has partnered with Headway to create the IBX Virtual National Network (VNN) to expand access to care beyond the Independence Blue Cross service region. The IBX virtual network enables providers to serve members virtually in any state where they are licensed and credentialed through Headway.
How it works
Joining the IBX VNN network allows you to see clients virtually in any state where you are both licensed and credentialed through Headway.
To hold in-person sessions with Independence Blue Cross members, you must be either:
- Enrolled in the IBX Commercial network, or
- Credentialed with the member’s local BCBS plan depending on your practice location (see below)
To review the carriers you’re credentialed with, please check your Insurance Status page.
Service region & care setting eligibility
- NJ: Burlington, Camden, Gloucester, Hunterdon, Mercer, Salem, Warren
- PA: Bucks, Chester, Delaware, Montgomery, Philadelphia, Berks, Lancaster, Lehigh, Northampton
- DE: New Castle
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Practice location |
Care setting eligibility |
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Within the IBX service region |
Virtual care: Eligible via the IBX VNN network.
In-person care: Eligible if you have an office address within the IBX service region and have opted in to the IBX Commercial network. |
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Outside of the IBX service region |
Virtual care: Eligible via the IBX VNN network.
In-person care: You must be credentialed with your local state’s BCBS affiliate. For example, a provider in Georgia must be credentialed with Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Georgia in order to see Independence Blue Cross clients for in-person sessions. If you are not credentialed with a local Blue Cross affiliate, you will not be able to see members in person, only virtually.
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Network eligibility
To join the Independence Blue Cross Virtual National Network, you must:
- Be licensed and credentialed with at least one carrier in a Headway state
- Offer at least some virtual care (in-person + virtual is allowed)
Please note that if you hold an LP / LCAT / addiction license, you are not eligible for credentialing with the VNN network at this time.
Some examples
✅ Provider with an office in Burlington county, NJ: Eligible to offer in-person and virtual care to Independence Blue Cross and AmeriHealth NJ members.
✅ Provider with an office in Bucks county, PA: Eligible to offer in-person and virtual care to Independence Blue Cross and AmeriHealth PA members.
✅ Provider residing in New York: Eligible to offer virtual care to Independence Blue Cross and AmeriHealth members.
Rates
You can view the rates for Independence Blue Cross virtual sessions on your rates and agreements page.
Joining the virtual network
All eligible providers will be able to opt into the Independence Blue Cross virtual network via a pop-up in the provider portal. If you don't see the option, let us know.
If opted in, providers will see the Independence Blue Cross virtual network reflected on their Insurance Status page within ~30 days.
Opting out of the virtual network
If you do not wish to participate in the Independence Blue Cross virtual network, you can opt out at any time by visiting your Insurance Status page and clicking the Opt out button.
AmeriHealth member eligibility
AmeriHealth (AH) is an IBX subsidiary whose members in Pennsylvania and New Jersey are also able to use the IBX VNN network for behavioral health care.
Reimbursement rates for these members are identical to those of IBX. If you opt in to the IBX VNN network, AmeriHealth will appear on your Headway profile and you will appear to AmeriHealth members as an in-network option.
Please note: Unlike with IBX, you cannot see AH members in-person outside of the IBX / AH service region since AH is not part of the Blue Card network.