Refer to the additional supplement in the Benefit plans subject to this guide section for additional details. Some benefit plans may have separate advance notification and prior authorization requirements.
The advance notification requirements outlined in this protocol do not apply to services subject to the following protocols, each are addressed in separate sections later in this guide:
Advance notification is the first step in determining coverage. We also use it for case and condition management program referrals. The information we receive about planned medical services helps support the pre-service clinical coverage review and care coordination. Advance notification helps assist members from pre-service planning to discharge planning.
Advance notification is required for services listed on the Advance Notification/Prior Authorization List located at UHCprovider.com/priorauth > Advance Notification and Plan Requirement Resources.
We require prior authorization for all MA benefit plans and some commercial benefit plans. Prior authorization requests allow us to verify if services are medically necessary and covered. After you notify us of a planned service listed on the Advance Notification/Prior Authorization List, we tell you if a clinical coverage review is required, as part of our prior authorization process, and what additional information we need to proceed. We notify you of our coverage decision within the time required by law. Just because we require notification for a service, does not mean it is covered. We determine coverage by the member’s benefit plan.
If there is a conflict or inconsistency between applicable regulations and the notification requirements in this guide, the applicable regulations govern.