How to Submit a Superbill to Anthem

Anthem is one of the largest Blue Cross Blue Shield licensees in the country, operating in 14 states under the Anthem name (and as Empire BlueCross in New York). Submitting an out-of-network therapy superbill to Anthem is done through their Sydney Health app or the anthem.com member portal. Here is exactly how to do it.

Overview: Anthem's Relationship to BCBS and OON Coverage

Anthem is an independent licensee of the Blue Cross Blue Shield Association. If your ID card says "Anthem" — whether in California, Georgia, Indiana, Missouri, Nevada, New Hampshire, Ohio, Virginia, Wisconsin, or several other states — you are on an Anthem plan and submit claims through Anthem's platforms.

In New York, Anthem operates as Empire BlueCross BlueShield (or Empire BlueCross). The submission process is the same, but the portal URL is empireblue.com rather than anthem.com.

Most Anthem PPO plans include out-of-network mental health benefits under the Mental Health Parity Act. You are responsible for the OON deductible and coinsurance until your out-of-pocket maximum is reached. For a full overview of Anthem's OON coverage, see our Anthem insurance guide. For the general superbill submission process, see our step-by-step superbill submission guide.

Step-by-Step: Submitting to Anthem

1. Get your superbill from your therapist. Make sure it is complete before you start the submission process. A single missing field is the most common reason Anthem suspends a claim.
2. Log in to anthem.com (or empireblue.com in New York). Navigate to Claims in the top menu and select Submit a Claim or Member Reimbursement.
3. Alternatively, use the Sydney Health app. Anthem's mobile app (Sydney Health) allows you to photograph and submit a superbill directly from your phone. Open the app, tap Claims, and follow the prompts.
4. Fill in provider and service details. Enter your therapist's name, NPI, dates of service, CPT code, diagnosis code, charge, and amount paid. Upload or photograph the superbill.
5. Save your confirmation number. Anthem assigns a reference number at submission. You can track claim status in the portal or app.
6. Alternative: mail your claim. Download Anthem's Member Claim Form from anthem.com and mail it with the superbill to the claims address printed on your ID card.

What to Include on Your Anthem Superbill

Anthem requires all standard superbill fields. The most commonly missing items when claims are rejected:

• Provider NPI (Type 1 for individual practitioners)
• Provider Tax ID (EIN or SSN) — required for reimbursement processing
• Your Anthem member ID and group number
• Date(s) of service (each session on its own line)
• CPT code and description (e.g., 90837 — Psychotherapy 60 min)
• ICD-10 diagnosis code (e.g., F41.1)
• Place of service code (11 for in-office; 10 for telehealth)
• Amount charged and amount paid

Anthem's Processing Timeline

Anthem processes most OON behavioral health claims within 30 days of receipt. You will receive an Explanation of Benefits (EOB) before payment is issued. Anthem's EOB will show the allowed amount, your OON deductible applied, coinsurance, and the plan-paid amount.

Anthem's standard timely filing deadline is 180 days from the date of service for most commercial plans. Some employer plans allow 365 days — confirm with member services.

Common Issues With Anthem Claims

• Regional variations: Because Anthem operates across 14 states, the exact portal features, claim form, and phone numbers differ slightly by state. Always use the phone number and website printed on your ID card.
• Empire BlueCross confusion: New York members sometimes try to submit through anthem.com when they should use empireblue.com. Your ID card confirms the correct site.
• Behavioral health vs. medical claims: Mental health claims are processed by Anthem's behavioral health team. If you call member services, ask specifically for behavioral health claims support.
• Prior authorization: Some Anthem plans require authorization for ongoing therapy sessions. Check your plan documents or call member services to confirm.

Tips for a Smooth Anthem Claim

• Use the Sydney Health app if you prefer mobile — photographing the superbill and submitting from your phone is fast and provides a confirmation immediately.
• Confirm your OON deductible balance before submitting. You can find this in your plan benefits summary on anthem.com or in the Sydney Health app.
• Submit in batches — once a month is a good cadence for regular therapy sessions. Batch submissions are accepted and keep your claims organized.
• If Anthem denies your claim, you have the right to appeal. The appeal process for Anthem is the same as for any BCBS affiliate — file an internal appeal within 180 days of the denial.

Superbilled creates Anthem-ready superbills with all required fields included. Once your therapist provides the superbill, use anthem.com, the Sydney Health app, or mail to submit your OON claim and start the reimbursement clock.