Utilization Management Preauthorization Supplemental List

EmblemHealth is focused on ensuring members receive services in clinically appropriate settings. A few weeks ago we announced upcoming changes to the Preauthorization list and we are providing you with an update to our previous announcement. Our goal is to provide you with additional information on this change. 

We will implement the additional codes to our existing EmblemHealth Prior Authorization list on September 1, 2019. The implementation date has changed from what was previously announced (August 1, 2019).

Beginning September 1, 2019, we will supplement our current utilization management preauthorization list with 99 codes that have site of service rules. These codes apply to Commercial and Medicaid lines of business only. See our supplemental list.

Here are details surrounding the 99 codes with site of service rules:

• 27 of these codes are present on the current utilization management preauthorization list, and EmblemHealth will now process these codes with site of service rules. Click here for a list of these codes.

The site of service rules identify procedures that do not require a preauthorization if performed in certain medical settings. For the Commercial and Medicaid lines of business, there are certain procedures performed in an office setting (POS 11) or in an ambulatory surgery center (POS 24) that do not require preauthorization.

Emergency services will not require a preauthorization.

The same rules will be applied by all managing entities (HIP, Montefiore CMO, and HealthCare Partners) and delegates who conduct utilization management on our behalf. See our comprehensive contact list.

EmblemHealth will continue to require preauthorization for the services listed below.

For a list of services, including elective inpatient, please refer to the Provider Manual.

A few services that require preauthorization are:

• All elective inpatient admissions and services require preauthorization.
• The inpatient hospital place of service (POS 21) always requires preauthorization.
• Cosmetic, and Experimental & Investigational services require preauthorization regardless of site of service.
• All non-Par services (unless the member is accessing a non-Par benefit) require prior approval.

*GHI PPO City of New York employees and non-Medicare eligible retirees with GHI PPO benefits will be managed by Empire BlueCross BlueShield for inpatient and outpatient services. To see what needs authorization, use their look-up tool.

List of products
Below is a list of products where updated preauthorization codes will apply.