We review certain service and medication requests to determine if they are medically necessary and appropriate for the member. If we determine that the services are medically necessary, we send an approval—or authorization—in writing to the member, primary care provider (PCP), the treating physician, and the facility, if applicable, to let them know that we have approved the services.
When a request for service is not approved, we notify the PCP* and the member.
*When the member has a PCP.
Before performing a service that requires an authorization, you should take these steps:
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Use an eTool like Authorization Manager or ConnectCenter to determine whether a referral or authorization is required for a specific service. Learn about our eTools.
Once you’ve checked member benefits and eligibility, our Inpatient Only List can help you in making level of care determinations. Please also refer to our medical policies.
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Step ![]() |
Submit your authorization request (see submission tips below). |
Step ![]() |
Check the status of your authorization request.
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Step ![]() |
Perform the service and submit the claim (after you’ve confirmed you have an authorization on file for the service). |
Either the primary care provider or the designated specialist (with an open referral from the primary care provider, as applicable depending on the plan) can request authorization for outpatient services. If we have not provided approval for outpatient services that require authorization, the provider rendering the service is financially liable, unless the member has previously consented in writing to be billed.
For | Please |
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Level of care authorization upon admission, concurrent reviews, and transfers between facilities for premature and medically complex infants in the NICU |
Contact ProgenyHealth:
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Inpatient and outpatient medical and behavioral health authorization requests |
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278 transactions | Refer to our Direct Connection page for more information |
Federal Employee Program members | Contact Ancillary Services at 1-800-451-8124 for FEP specific benefit |
Fax or mailed authorization requests | Use Mass Collaborative's Prior Authorization Request Forms. Be sure to submit any additional necessary clinical documentation.
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Medication or home infusion therapy requests | Go to our Pharmacy page
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BlueCard Members’ pre-service review (for out-of-area members or members of another Blue Plan) | Use the Pre-service Review for BlueCard Members tool. Or call 1-800-676-BLUE. |
We urge you to check on the status of your authorization requests electronically. If you have questions once you’ve taken this step, you may reach us at the phone and fax numbers indicated below.
Phone information
For: | Call: |
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Medical pre-authorizations and referrals | 1-800-327-6716 |
Behavioral health authorizations | 1-800-524-4010 |
Fax information
For: | Fax: |
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Medical pre-authorizations and referrals:
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1-888-282-0780 |
Emergent Inpatient Notification | 1-866-577-9678 |
If we request additional clinical:
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1-888-282-1321
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Outpatient Physical, Occupational and Speech Therapy authorizations | 1-866-577-9901 |
InterQual Smart Sheets TM Surgical forms | 1-888-641-1375 |
IVF authorizations and referrals | 1-800-836-1112 |
Skilled nursing facility, rehabilitation hospital, inpatient hospice and respite | 1-888-641-5330 |
Behavioral Health:
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1-888-641-5199
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Federal Employee Program Plans | |
Federal Employee Plan: Authorizations and InterQual Smart Sheets TM Surgical Forms | 1-888-282-1315 |
Federal Employee Plan: Additional requested clinical information | 1-866-577-9682 |
Medicare Plans | |
Medex®' : Authorizations and referrals | 617-246-4210 |
Medicare Advantage: Authorizations and referrals | 1-800-447-2994 |
Medicare Advantage: Additional requested clinical information | 1-866-577-9682 |
Medicare Advantage: Skilled nursing facility and rehabilitation hospital | 1-800-205-8885 |
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts Employees | |
BCBSMA employees: authorizations, referrals and InterQual Smart Sheets TM Surgical forms | 617-246-4299 |
BCBSMA employees: behavioral health/substance use authorizations and neuropsychological testing | 1-888-608-3693 |