## Culturally appropriate services training 

 ### Annual training

Blue Cross offers online training to help providers care for members with consideration of personal language needs, thoughts, customs, beliefs and values.

[Log in to the Availity portal](https://apps.availity.com/availity/web/public.elegant.login) to access the training:

- Under payer spaces, select BlueCross BlueShield Minnesota health plan
- Select Access BCBSMN Learning and Development from the Resources tab
- From the Training Opportunities dashboard, search for “Physician’s Cultural Competency” or navigate to it through the filters on the left



 

 



 

**Let us know when you've completed training**

Blue Cross requires that all contracted provider organizations complete annual training. We also need to show whether a provider has completed training in our provider directories as a requirement of our Minnesota Health Care Program contracts with the Minnesota Department of Health.

After your organization has completed the annual training or other similar training, complete and return the verification form.



 

[Download verification form](https://bluecrossmn.widen.net/content/se4nwnpyit/original/bcbsmn-provider-culturalcompetencytraining-verification-form.pdf)

 

 

 



 

 

 

 

 

 

## More training resources

 

### Excellence in Quality and Outcomes Certification Program

The Excellence in Quality and Outcomes (EQO) Certification Program contributes to a movement toward a level healthcare landscape where improved quality for all is at the cornerstone of care.

Aligned with industry best practices, EQO consists of many elements designed to provide guidance and resources for providers and care systems striving to achieve better outcomes.



 

[Learn more about the EQO program](/providers/education-center/excellence-quality-and-outcomes-eqo-certification-program)

 

 



### BlueCard education

The BlueCard® program links participating healthcare providers and independent Blue Cross plans through a single electronic network for claims processing and reimbursement, simplifying the process for out-of-state Blue Cross members.



 

[Find information on eligibility and how to submit claims](/providers/education-center/bluecard-program)

 

 



### Commercial network guide

The commercial network guide is an overview of our commercial networks, including network names, descriptions, network numbers, plan access and more.



 

[Download the 2026 Commercial Network Guide](https://bluecrossmn.widen.net/content/uhfmflj8ea/original/commercial-network-guide.pdf)

 

 



### Provider directory validation

Step-by-step instructions for using the provider directory validation tool in Availity Essentials to update your demographic information.



 

[Provider directory validation tool user guide](https://bluecrossmn.widen.net/content/drzc7s50tc/original/bcbsmn-provider-directory-validation-tool-user-guide.pdf)

 

 



### Provider forms and publications

Select the most commonly accessed forms, publications and guides or search by category.



 

[View forms, publications, how-to guides and more](/providers/provider-documents-forms)

 

 



### Blueline phone service

Blueline is an automated voice response system providing information on a member's primary care clinic, benefits, eligibility or claim status via phone or fax.



 

[Access Blueline](/providers/tools-resources/blueline-phone-self-service)

 

 



### Medicare training

Review and complete CMS-required general compliance and fraud, waste and abuse training for Medicare and view a Medicare product guide.



 

[Access Medicare training](/providers/education-center/medicare-education-providers-compliance-and-fwa-training)

 

 



### Peer Specialist benefit expansion

Peer Specialists provide nonclinical support services for members with mental health and substance use diagnoses. Beginning January 1, 2024, the Peer Specialist Benefit is expanding from Medicaid to Commercial and Medicare Advantage members



 

[Peer specialist benefit for commercial and Medicare Advantage provider reference](https://bluecrossmn.widen.net/content/y9fx2xqjv0/original/peer-specialist-benefit-commercial-mapd-provider-reference-guide.pdf)

 

 



 

 



 

 

 

 

 ### Provider Toolkit

Can't find what you're looking for here? Check the Provider Toolkit.



 

[View Provider Toolkit](/providers/tools-resources/provider-toolkit)

 

 

 

 

 

 ### Provider contact information

Mailing addresses, phone and fax numbers.



 

[View provider contact information](/providers/contact-us-healthcare-providers)