This blog refers to physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy that is done by Maryland Providers for Maryland Medicaid members that are 21 years and older.
As of May 1, 2022, all Maryland Medicaid (UHC community health plan) members will require a prior authorization in order to receive physical therapy, occupational therapy and/or speech therapy.
Important things to remember:
These requirements will apply whether a member is new to therapy or will continue receiving therapy
Prior authorization isn’t required for emergency or urgent services!
UHC community health plan (Maryland) will deny claims if prior authorization is not on file before the date of service, and you won’t be able to balance bill the member!
Medical necessity review
When the provider submits a prior authorization request starting May 1, 2022, UHC Community health plan (Maryland) will review your request for medical necessity. We will provide an authorization, if appropriate and send that determination to you and the member.
To help ensure members that are currently under your care do not experience disruption of services, providers may initiate a continuity of care request. UHC Community Health plan of Maryland will allow an approval for the current episode of care or 90 days, whichever is less, to continue upon receipt of the request and completed plan of care.
For the full list of therapy codes, reference the list of current prior authorization plan requirements for Maryland Medicaid.
Providers can submit requests for these services with dates of service on or after May 1, 2022, online using the Prior Authorization and Notification tool. Providers must submit a completed plan of care to prevent any disruption in services.
If you have any questions: please call 877-842-3210.
Find this blog post informative? Follow my blog for more prior authorization changes, medical coding and billing guideline updates, reimbursement/medical policy updates, various insurance payer general updates, and much more!
Recent Blog Posts:
- MVP (NY/VT)- Reimbursement sick visit and Preventative Care on the same day.
- MVP Health Plans: reimbursement of sick E&M codes billed w/preventative codes -05/01/23
- Michigan Medicaid: reimburses for Doula Services-01/01/23
- UHC NY Community Plan Referral requirement change-effective immediately
- UHC Oxford- updated Prior Auth changes 01/01/2023
KR2 Medical Billing 