UnitedHealthcare Extends COVID-19 Prior Auth. Suspensions
The extension pushes the previous expiration date from Jan. 8 to Jan. 31 and United noted that it includes oxygen can be delivered without prior authorization.
UnitedHealthcare is extending its temporary suspension of select prior authorization requirements for in-network hospitals and in-network Skilled Nursing Facilities from Jan. 8 to Jan. 31.
The temporary prior authorization suspensions include:
- SNF prior authorization. UnitedHealthcare is suspending prior authorization requirements for admission to in-network SNFs.
- Transfer prior authorizations. UnitedHealthcare is suspending prior authorization requirements when a member transfers from one facility to a new facility provider.
- COVID-19-related oxygen requests. For orders involving COVID-19-related oxygen requests, oxygen can be delivered without prior authorization and does not need to meet current clinical criteria.
- Discharge and post-care assistance. If assistance with discharge planning or finding post-acute care for patients with complex needs is needed, providers can email COVID-19dischargeplanning@uhc.com.
UnitedHealthcare might also retrospectively review select services rendered during this time period after Jan. 31, and suggested providers visit UHCprovider.com/covid19 for the most up-to-date information.
More information on DMEPOS-related prior authorization can also be found on UnitedHealthcare’s COVID-19 Prior Authorization Updates page.