Prior Authorization Information

Prior Authorization Information

Click here to return to the Member site.

Haga clic aquí para volver al sitio de miembros. 

Para la versión en español, haga clic aquí.

What is a prior authorization?

(Medicaid) Prior authorization verifies whether medical treatment that is not an emergency is medically necessary.  It also determines if the treatment matches the diagnosis and that the requested services will be provided in an appropriate setting. During prior authorization, Community Health Choice will also verify if the Member has benefits.

Prior authorization is sometimes called pre-certification or pre-notification.

Prior authorization DOES NOT guarantee payment. Even if a Provider obtained the required prior authorization, Community must still process a Provider’s claim to determine if payment will be made. The claim is processed according to:

  • Eligibility;
  • Contract limitations;
  • Benefit coverage guidelines;
  • Applicable State or Federal requirements;
  • National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits;
  • Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual (TMPPM); and
  • Other program requirements, as applicable.

Please contact us if you have questions or need assistance with prior authorizations.

Medicaid Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday/Holidays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

CHIP Hours
Monday – Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday/Holidays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Phone
713.295.2295 or toll free 1.888.760.2600

Pharmacy Prior Authorization Assistance
1.877.908.6023

Website
https://Provider.communityhealthchoice.org/resources/

Email
[email protected]

Please contact us if you have questions or need assistance with medical/pharmacy prior authorizations.

Local: 713.295.2294
Toll-Free: 1.888.760.2600
TDD Number for Hearing Impaired 7-1-1

Monday through Friday (excluding State-approved holidays)

8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Click here to view the 2024 catalog.

Click here to view the 2023 catalog.

Click here to view the 2022 catalog.

Click here to review the Prior Authorization Annual Review Report. 

Click here to review the Prior Authorization Change Log.

Except for emergencies, Community requires prior authorization for all services performed by a non-participating Provider.

Prior Authorization Submission

  • Pharmacy Authorizations
  • Vision Authorizations
  • Dental (under 21)
  • Dental (over 21)
  • NICU Authorizations
  • For Medical/Acute Authorizations, Community accepts prior authorization requests via the following methods:
  • For Transplant Prior Authorization Requests and Clinical Submission, Community accepts prior authorization requests via the following methods:
  • For Behavioral Health Authorizations, Community accepts prior authorization requests via the following methods:
    • Community Health Choice secure provider portal
    • Fax: 713.576.0932 (Inpatient)
    • Fax: 713.576.0931 (Outpatient)

Providers must submit the Prior Authorization Request Form, which you can view and download here.  The form must include the following information to initiate the prior authorization review process:

  • Member’s name
  • Member date of birth
  • Member number or Medicaid number
  • Requesting provider’s name
  • Requesting provider’s National Provider Identifier (NPI)
  • Rendering provider’s name
  • Rendering provider’s National Provider Identifier (NPI)
  • Rendering provider’s Tax identification number
  • Service requested:
    • Current Procedural Terminology (CPT),
    • Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), or
    • Current Dental Terminology (CDT)
  • Service requested start and end date(s)
  • Quantity of service units requested based on the CPT, HCPCS, or CDT requested

Please note any prior authorization requests missing essential information will not be processed and a new request will need to be submitted.

Supporting Clinical Documentation

Supporting documentation necessary to obtain prior authorization for a specified service includes a completed TSPA form, current clinical records that support the requested service, and any other documentation as per the TMPPM, (ex. Sterilization Consent Form, The Criteria for Dental Therapy under General Anesthesia Form, etc.)

Click here for the Clinical Practice Guidelines

Click here for a list of requirements for Transplants.

Community Health Choice (Community) has internal clinical guidelines called Medical Review Guidelines (MRGs) that function as one of the sets of guidelines used for medical necessity determinations and coverage decisions. Our MRGs are evidence-based guidelines from:

  • Peer-reviewed, published medical journals.
  • Evidence-based consensus statements
  • Practice guidelines/standards from professionally recognized health care organizations
  • Evidence-based research reviews of a particular topic/technology

Community Health Choice (Community)’s Medical Review Guidelines (MRGs) are used when there is an absence of any applicable Medicare statutes, regulations, National Coverage Determinations (NCDs) or Local Coverage Determinations (LCDs) describing coverage criteria.
Community’s review guidelines are applied in the following order:

  • Evidence of Coverage and Benefits
  • Federal regulations, statutes, and contract requirements
  • NCDs, LCDs
  • MRGs
  • InterQual
 
Although some MRGs may assist with coverage decisions, recommendations contained in the MRGs are not a guarantee of coverage. Community’s MRGs are available upon request.

Lack of Information

When Community receives a request for prior authorization and the request does not contain complete clinical documentation and/or information:

  • Community will notify the Member by letter that an authorization request was received, but cannot be acted upon until Community receives the missing documentation/information from the requesting Provider. The letter will include the following information:
    • A statement that Community has reviewed the PA request and is unable to make a decision about the requested services without the submission of additional information.
    • A clear and specific list and description of missing/incomplete/incorrect information or documentation that must be submitted in order to consider the request complete.
    • An applicable timeline for the provider to submit the missing information.
    • Information on the manner through which a provider may contact Community.
  • Community will contact Provider via fax or phone and request documentation for completion of the medical necessity review within three business days of Community’s receipt of request.
  • If Community does not receive the documentation/information by the end of the third business day of Community’s request to the requesting Provider, the request will be submitted to the Medical Director no later than the seventh business day after receipt of request.
  • Community will make a decision no later than the tenth business day after the request received date.

Start of Care (SOC) exceptions will be approved when a Provider is able to submit additional information sufficient to classify a request as complete and the MCO has determined that requested services meet medical necessity from the SOC date.

ServiceInitial AuthorizationRe-certification of Authorization
Therapy (PT/OT/ST)Initial prior authorization (PA) requests must be received no later than five business days from the date therapy treatments are initiated. Requests received after the five-business-day period will be denied for dates of service that occurred before the date that the PA request was received.Requests for recertification services received after the current authorization expires will be denied for dates of service that occurred before the date the request is received. Should not be received >30 days before expiration of previous authorization.
Private Duty NursingInitial requests must be submitted within three business days of the SOC date.A recertification request must be submitted at least 7 calendar days before, but no more than 30 days before, a current authorization period will expire.
DMEPrior authorization must be obtained for some supplies and most DME within three business days of the DOS.Prior authorization must be obtained for some supplies and most DME within three business days of the DOS.

Community issues a determination within the following timeframes according to state regulatory requirements.

Prospective Review

  • Emergency Medical or Emergency Behavioral Conditions do not require prior authorization
  • Urgent – As soon as possible based on the clinical situation, but no later than one business day from receipt of a request for a Utilization Management (UM) determination
  • Routine – Within three business days from the receipt of a request for a UM determination
  • Inpatient – Within one business day from the receipt of a request for a UM determination
  • Post-hospitalization or life-threatening conditions – within one hour from the receipt of a request

Concurrent Review

Community issues the determination for reduction or termination of a previously approved course of treatment early enough to allow the patient to request a review and receive a decision before the reduction or termination occurs, but no longer than two business days.

Retrospective Review

Based on the Retrospective Review Policy for authorizations, if certain conditions are met Community will issue a determination, Community will issue a determination within 30 calendar days from the receipt of request for a retrospective UM determination for a service that Provider has already rendered and for which Provider has not submitted a claim. Fax requests for Retrospective Review with supporting documentation to 713.576.0937.

Pharmacy

  • Urgent – if prescribing Provider calls Community, Community will provide prior authorization approval or denial immediately.
  • Routine – Community will notify the prescribing Provider of prior authorization denial or approval no later than 24 hours after receipt.
  • If Community cannot provide response to a prior authorization request within 24 hours after receipt or the prescriber is unavailable to make request (after-hours) and dispensing pharmacist determines it is an emergency, Community will allow the pharmacy to dispense a 72-hour supply of the drug.

Community will deny a claim if the Provider does not obtain an authorization prior to providing services to a Member.  In no event will a Member be financially responsible for payments for such services, except for those Member expenses that are required under the Member’s specific benefit plan/program.

Community provides timely and appropriate discharge planning services for a seamless transition from a hospital, skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility to the Member’s home setting.  Discharge planning may include, but is not limited to the following:

  • Home Health Services
    • Skilled Nurse Visits
    • Physical Therapy
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Speech Therapy
  • Outpatient Services – Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy
  • Durable Medical Equipment (including supplies)
  • Any other urgent discharge needs for the Member’s transition back into the home setting

Please submit prior authorization requests to Community at least 24 to 48 hours prior to discharge from a hospital, skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility

If a Member is discharged during non-business hours and/or the weekend, Providers should submit discharge planning requests the following business day.  All discharge authorizations are reviewed for evaluation and initial treatment.

For a continuation of treatment and services after discharge authorization, new physician orders from the Member’s PCP or Specialist are required. These requests must be submitted to the appropriate fax number for prior authorization requests. 

  • Complete the Texas Standard Prior Authorization request form or Community’s Preferred Prior Authorization form.
  • Attach discharge order from the hospital (signed script, discharge paperwork, electronic or verbal order, and Title 19). Include ICD-10 code(s), CPT and/or HCPCS code(s) with frequency, duration and amount of visits or visits being requested.
  • For Members transitioning from an Acute hospital to LTAC or SNF:
    • Fax request (PA form and transfer orders with clinical information) to: 713.295.2284
  • For Members transitioning  from an Acute hospital, LTAC or SNF to Home (place of residence):
    • Fax request (PA form and discharge orders with clinical information  to: 713.848.6940
  • Fax Behavioral Health authorization requests to: 713.576.0932

All discharge planning authorization requests follow established processes and procedures related to eligibility, benefits, medical necessity, and other regulatory requirements.

If  an authorization request does not meet medical necessity, a Medical Director will review the request.

Community will send a fax notification to the requesting Provider with the offer of a Peer-to-Peer.

To request a Peer-to-Peer discussion, please call 713.295.2319. 

Click here to return to the Member site.

Haga clic aquí para volver al sitio de miembros. 

Para la versión en español, haga clic aquí.

What is a prior authorization?

(Medicaid) Prior authorization verifies whether medical treatment that is not an emergency is medically necessary.  It also determines if the treatment matches the diagnosis and that the requested services will be provided in an appropriate setting. During prior authorization, Community Health Choice will also verify if the Member has benefits.

Prior authorization is sometimes called pre-certification or pre-notification.

Prior authorization DOES NOT guarantee payment. Even if a Provider obtained the required prior authorization, Community must still process a Provider’s claim to determine if payment will be made. The claim is processed according to:

  • Eligibility;
  • Contract limitations;
  • Benefit coverage guidelines;
  • Applicable State or Federal requirements;
  • National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits;
  • Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual (TMPPM); and
  • Other program requirements, as applicable.

Please contact us if you have questions or need assistance with prior authorizations.

Medicaid Hours
Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday/Holidays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

CHIP Hours
Monday – Friday, 6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.
Saturday/Sunday/Holidays, 9:00 a.m. – 12:00 p.m.

Phone
713.295.2295 or toll free 1.888.760.2600

Pharmacy Prior Authorization Assistance
1.877.908.6023

Website
https://Provider.communityhealthchoice.org/resources/

Email
[email protected]

Please contact us if you have questions or need assistance with medical/pharmacy prior authorizations.

Local: 713.295.2294
Toll-Free: 1.888.760.2600
TDD Number for Hearing Impaired 7-1-1

Monday through Friday (excluding State-approved holidays)

8:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m.

Click here to view the 2024 catalog.

Click here to view the 2023 catalog.

Click here to view the 2022 catalog.

 

Click here to review the Prior Authorization Annual Review Report. 

Click here to review the Prior Authorization Change Log.

Except for emergencies, Community requires prior authorization for all services performed by a non-participating Provider.

Prior Authorization Submission

  • Pharmacy Authorizations
  • Vision Authorizations
  • Dental (under 21)
  • Dental (over 21)
  • NICU Authorizations
  • For Medical/Acute Authorizations, Community accepts prior authorization requests via the following methods:
  • For Transplant Prior Authorization Requests and Clinical Submission, Community accepts prior authorization requests via the following methods:
  • For Behavioral Health Authorizations, Community accepts prior authorization requests via the following methods:
    • Community Health Choice secure provider portal
    • Fax: 713.576.0932 (Inpatient)
    • Fax: 713.576.0931 (Outpatient)

Providers must submit the Prior Authorization Request Form, which you can view and download here.  The form must include the following information to initiate the prior authorization review process:

  • Member’s name
  • Member date of birth
  • Member number or Medicaid number
  • Requesting provider’s name
  • Requesting provider’s National Provider Identifier (NPI)
  • Rendering provider’s name
  • Rendering provider’s National Provider Identifier (NPI)
  • Rendering provider’s Tax identification number
  • Service requested:
    • Current Procedural Terminology (CPT),
    • Healthcare Common Procedure Coding System (HCPCS), or
    • Current Dental Terminology (CDT)
  • Service requested start and end date(s)
  • Quantity of service units requested based on the CPT, HCPCS, or CDT requested

Please note any prior authorization requests missing essential information will not be processed and a new request will need to be submitted.

Supporting Clinical Documentation

Supporting documentation necessary to obtain prior authorization for a specified service includes a completed TSPA form, current clinical records that support the requested service, and any other documentation as per the TMPPM, (ex. Sterilization Consent Form, The Criteria for Dental Therapy under General Anesthesia Form, etc.)

Click here for the Clinical Practice Guidelines

Click here for a list of requirements for Transplants.

Community Health Choice (Community) has internal clinical guidelines called Medical Review Guidelines (MRGs) that function as one of the sets of guidelines used for medical necessity determinations and coverage decisions. Our MRGs are evidence-based guidelines from:

  • Peer-reviewed, published medical journals.
  • Evidence-based consensus statements
  • Practice guidelines/standards from professionally recognized health care organizations
  • Evidence-based research reviews of a particular topic/technology

Our MRGs are used when the Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual (TMPPM) does not have any clinical criteria for certain services. Our review guidelines are applied in the following order:

  • State/Federal guidelines and Contract Requirements
  • TMPPM
  • MRGs
  • InterQual
 
Although some MRGs may assist with coverage decisions, recommendations contained in the MRGs are not a guarantee of coverage. Community’s MRGs are available upon request.

Lack of Information

When Community receives a request for prior authorization and the request does not contain complete clinical documentation and/or information:

  • Community will notify the Member by letter that an authorization request was received, but cannot be acted upon until Community receives the missing documentation/information from the requesting Provider. The letter will include the following information:
    • A statement that Community has reviewed the PA request and is unable to make a decision about the requested services without the submission of additional information.
    • A clear and specific list and description of missing/incomplete/incorrect information or documentation that must be submitted in order to consider the request complete.
    • An applicable timeline for the provider to submit the missing information.
    • Information on the manner through which a provider may contact Community.
  • Community will contact Provider via fax or phone and request documentation for completion of the medical necessity review within three business days of Community’s receipt of request.
  • If Community does not receive the documentation/information by the end of the third business day of Community’s request to the requesting Provider, the request will be submitted to the Medical Director no later than the seventh business day after receipt of request.
  • Community will make a decision no later than the tenth business day after the request received date.

Start of Care (SOC) exceptions will be approved when a Provider is able to submit additional information sufficient to classify a request as complete and the MCO has determined that requested services meet medical necessity from the SOC date.

ServiceInitial AuthorizationRe-certification of Authorization
Therapy (PT/OT/ST)Initial prior authorization (PA) requests must be received no later than five business days from the date therapy treatments are initiated. Requests received after the five-business-day period will be denied for dates of service that occurred before the date that the PA request was received.Requests for recertification services received after the current authorization expires will be denied for dates of service that occurred before the date the request is received. Should not be received >30 days before expiration of previous authorization.
Private Duty NursingInitial requests must be submitted within three business days of the SOC date.A recertification request must be submitted at least 7 calendar days before, but no more than 30 days before, a current authorization period will expire.
DMEPrior authorization must be obtained for some supplies and most DME within three business days of the DOS.Prior authorization must be obtained for some supplies and most DME within three business days of the DOS.

Providers must submit the Prior Authorization Request Form, which you can view and download here.  The form must include the following information:

  • Member Name
  • Member Date of Birth
  • Member Medicaid/CHIP Identification Number
  • Requesting Provider Name and National Provider Identifier (NPI)
  • Servicing Provider Name and NPI
  • Requested Service
  • Current Procedures Terminology (CPT) Codes Requested
  • Number of Units Requested
  • Dates of Service
  • In Network Requesting Provider’s Dated Signature

To avoid delays in authorization or administrative denials, Providers are encouraged to submit sufficient documentation to validate the medical necessity for the services being requested. This may include, current progress notes, history and physical, radiology or laboratory results, consult notes/reports, treatment plans showing progress to goals (e.g. therapy requests), or similar medical record documentation to illustrate medical necessity.

Community issues a determination within the following timeframes according to state regulatory requirements.

Prospective Review

  • Emergency Medical or Emergency Behavioral Conditions do not require prior authorization
  • Urgent – As soon as possible based on the clinical situation, but no later than one business day from receipt of a request for a Utilization Management (UM) determination
  • Routine – Within three business days from the receipt of a request for a UM determination
  • Inpatient – Within one business day from the receipt of a request for a UM determination
  • Post-hospitalization or life-threatening conditions – within one hour from the receipt of a request

Concurrent Review

Community issues the determination for reduction or termination of a previously approved course of treatment early enough to allow the patient to request a review and receive a decision before the reduction or termination occurs, but no longer than two business days.

Retrospective Review

Based on the Retrospective Review Policy for authorizations, if certain conditions are met Community will issue a determination, Community will issue a determination within 30 calendar days from the receipt of request for a retrospective UM determination for a service that Provider has already rendered and for which Provider has not submitted a claim. Fax requests for Retrospective Review with supporting documentation to 713.576.0937.

Pharmacy

  • Urgent – if prescribing Provider calls Community, Community will provide prior authorization approval or denial immediately.
  • Routine – Community will notify the prescribing Provider of prior authorization denial or approval no later than 24 hours after receipt.
  • If Community cannot provide response to a prior authorization request within 24 hours after receipt or the prescriber is unavailable to make request (after-hours) and dispensing pharmacist determines it is an emergency, Community will allow the pharmacy to dispense a 72-hour supply of the drug.

Community will deny a claim if the Provider does not obtain an authorization prior to providing services to a Member.  In no event will a Member be financially responsible for payments for such services, except for those Member expenses that are required under the Member’s specific benefit plan/program.

Community provides timely and appropriate discharge planning services for a seamless transition from a hospital, skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility to the Member’s home setting.  Discharge planning may include, but is not limited to the following:

  • Home Health Services
    • Skilled Nurse Visits
    • Physical Therapy
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Speech Therapy
  • Outpatient Services – Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy
  • Durable Medical Equipment (including supplies)
  • Any other urgent discharge needs for the Member’s transition back into the home setting

Please submit prior authorization requests to Community at least 24 to 48 hours prior to discharge from a hospital, skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility

If a Member is discharged during non-business hours and/or the weekend, Providers should submit discharge planning requests the following business day.  All discharge authorizations are reviewed for evaluation and initial treatment.

For a continuation of treatment and services after discharge authorization, new physician orders from the Member’s PCP or Specialist are required. These requests must be submitted to the appropriate fax number for prior authorization requests. 

  • Complete the Texas Standard Prior Authorization request form or Community’s Preferred Prior Authorization form.
  • Attach discharge order from the hospital (signed script, discharge paperwork, electronic or verbal order, and Title 19). Include ICD-10 code(s), CPT and/or HCPCS code(s) with frequency, duration and amount of visits or visits being requested.
  • For Members transitioning from an Acute hospital to LTAC or SNF:
    • Fax request (PA form and transfer orders with clinical information) to: 713.295.2284
  • For Members transitioning  from an Acute hospital, LTAC or SNF to Home (place of residence):
    • Fax request (PA form and discharge orders with clinical information  to: 713.848.6940
  • Fax Behavioral Health authorization requests to: 713.576.0932

All discharge planning authorization requests follow established processes and procedures related to eligibility, benefits, medical necessity, and other regulatory requirements.

If  an authorization request does not meet medical necessity, a Medical Director will review the request.

Community will send a fax notification to the requesting Provider with the offer of a Peer-to-Peer.

To request a Peer-to-Peer discussion, please call 713.295.2319. 

Para la versión en español, haga clic aquí.

What is a prior authorization?

(Medicare) Prior authorization (sometimes referred to as pre-certification or pre-notification) determines whether non-emergent medical treatment is medically necessary, is compatible with the diagnosis, if the Member has benefits, and if the requested services are to be provided in the appropriate setting.

Prior authorization is not a guarantee of payment. Regardless of whether a Provider obtained the required prior authorization, Community Health Choice must process a Provider’s claim according to eligibility, contract limitations, benefit coverage guidelines, applicable State or Federal requirements, National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits, Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual (TMPPM) and other program requirements, as applicable.

Please contact us if you have questions or need assistance with prior authorizations.

Monday – Friday
8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.

On certain holidays, calls will be handled by our automated phone system.

Phone
713.295.5007 or 1.833.276.8306

Website
https://provider.communityhealthchoice.org/resources/

Email
[email protected]

Toll-Free: 1.833.276.8306
TDD Number for Hearing Impaired 7-1-1

February 2024 Medical Benefit Prior Authorization Update

Click here to view the February 1, 2024 catalog

Click here to view the 2024 catalog

Click here to view the 2023 catalog

Except for emergencies, Community requires prior authorization for all services performed by a non-participating Provider.

  • Pharmacy Authorizations
  • Vision Authorizations
  • Dental (over 21)
  • For Medical/Acute Authorizations, Community accepts prior authorization requests via the following methods:
  • For Behavioral Health Authorizations, Community accepts prior authorization requests via the following methods:
    • Community Health Choice secure provider portal
    • Fax: 713.576.0932 (Inpatient)
    • Fax: 713.576.0939 (Outpatient)
  •  

Providers must submit the Prior Authorization Request Form, which you can view and download here.  The form must include the following information:

  • Member Name
  • Member Date of Birth
  • Member Medicaid/CHIP Identification Number
  • Requesting Provider Name and National Provider Identifier (NPI)
  • Servicing Provider Name and NPI
  • Requested Service
  • Current Procedures Terminology (CPT) Codes Requested
  • Number of Units Requested
  • Dates of Service
  • In Network Requesting Provider’s Dated Signature

For Transplant Prior Authorization Requests and Clinical Submission, Community accepts prior authorization requests via the following methods:

Click here for a list of requirements for Transplants.

Community Health Choice (Community) has internal clinical guidelines called Medical Review Guidelines (MRGs) that function as one of the sets of guidelines used for medical necessity determinations and coverage decisions. Our MRGs are evidence-based guidelines from:

  • Peer-reviewed, published medical journals.
  • Evidence-based consensus statements
  • Practice guidelines/standards from professionally recognized health care organizations
  • Evidence-based research reviews of a particular topic/technology

Our MRGs are used when the Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual (TMPPM) does not have any clinical criteria for certain services. Our review guidelines are applied in the following order:

  • State/Federal guidelines and Contract Requirements
  • TMPPM
  • MRGs
  • InterQual
 
To avoid delays in authorization or administrative denials, Providers are encouraged to submit sufficient documentation to validate the medical necessity for the services being requested. This may include, current progress notes, history and physical, radiology or laboratory results, consult notes/reports, treatment plans showing progress to goals (e.g. therapy requests), or similar medical record documentation to illustrate medical necessity.

Community issues a determination within the following timeframes according to state regulatory requirements.

Prospective Review

  • Urgent
    As soon as possible based on the clinical situation, but no later than 72 hours from receipt of a request for a Utilization Management (UM) determination
  • Routine
    Within 14 calendar days from the receipt of a request for a UM determination
  • Inpatient
    Within 24 hours from the receipt of a request for a UM determination

Concurrent Review

Community issues the determination for reduction or termination of a previously approved course of treatment early enough to allow the patient to request a review and receive a decision before the reduction or termination occurs, but no longer than two business days.

Retrospective Review

Community will issue a determination within 30 calendar days from the receipt of request for a retrospective UM determination for a service that Provider has already rendered and for which Provider has not submitted a claim. Fax requests for Retrospective Review with supporting documentation to 713.576.0937.

Community will administratively deny a claim if the Provider does not obtain an authorization prior to rendering services to a Member.  In no event will a Member be financially responsible for payments arising for such services, except for applicable Member expenses as may be required under a benefit plan/program.

Community provides timely and appropriate discharge planning services for a seamless transition from a hospital, skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility to the Member’s home setting.  Discharge planning may include, but not limited to the following:

  • Home Health Services
    • Skilled Nurse Visits
    • Physical Therapy
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Speech Therapy
  • Outpatient Services – Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy
  • Durable Medical Equipment (including supplies)
  • Any other urgent discharge needs for the member’s transition back into the home setting

Please ensure to submit prior authorization requests to Community at least 24 to 48 hours prior to discharge from a hospital, skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility

If a Member is discharged during non-business hours and/or weekend, Providers should submit discharge planning requests the following business day.  If necessary, all discharge authorizations will be reviewed for evaluation and initial treatment.

For a continuation of treatment and services after discharge authorization, new physician orders from Member’s PCP or Specialist will be required. These requests must be submitted to the appropriate fax number for prior authorization requests. 

  • Complete the Texas Standard Prior Authorization request form or Community’s Preferred Prior Authorization form.
  • Attach discharge order from the hospital (signed script, discharge paperwork, electronic or verbal order, and Title 19). Include ICD-10 code(s), CPT and/or HCPCS code(s) with frequency, duration and amount of visits or visits being requested.
  • For members transitioning from an Acute hospital to LTAC or SNF:
    • Fax request (PA form and transfer orders with clinical information) to: 713.295.2284
  • For members transitioning  from an Acute hospital, LTAC or SNF to Home (place of residence):
    • Fax request (PA form and discharge orders with clinical information  to: 713.848.6940
  • Fax Behavioral Health authorization requests to: 713.576.0932

All discharge planning authorization requests will follow established processes and procedures related to eligibility, benefits, medical necessity, and other regulatory requirements.

If  an authorization request does not meet medical necessity, a Medical Director will review the request.

Community will send a fax notification to the requesting Provider with the offer of a Peer-to-Peer.

To request a Peer-to-Peer discussion, please call 713.295.2319. 

Para la versión en español, haga clic aquí.

What is a prior authorization?

Prior authorization (sometimes referred to as pre-certification or pre-notification) determines whether non-emergent medical treatment is medically necessary, is compatible with the diagnosis, if the Member has benefits, and if the requested services are to be provided in the appropriate setting.

Prior authorization is not a guarantee of payment. Regardless of whether a Provider obtained the required prior authorization, Community Health Choice must process a Provider’s claim according to eligibility, contract limitations, benefit coverage guidelines, applicable State or Federal requirements, National Correct Coding Initiative (NCCI) edits, Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual (TMPPM) and other program requirements, as applicable.

Please contact us if you have questions or need assistance with prior authorizations.

Monday – Friday
6:00 a.m. – 6:00 p.m.

Saturday/Sunday/Holidays
9:00 a.m – 12:00 p.m.

Phone
713.295.6704 or 1.855.315.5386

Website
https://provider.communityhealthchoice.org/resources/

Email
[email protected]

Local: 713.295.6704
Toll-Free 1.855.315.5386
TDD Number for Hearing Impaired 7-1-1

Monday through Friday (excluding State-approved holidays)

8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.

February 2024 Medical Benefit Prior Authorization Update

Click here to view the  February 1, 2024 catalog

Click here to view the 2024 catalog

Click here to view the 2023 catalog

What is HB 3459?

  • This Bill prohibits an Health Maintenance Organization (HMO) that uses Prior Authorizations from requiring a provider to obtain a Prior Authorization for a service, if the Plan approved or would have approved 90% of the Prior Authorization requests submitted by that provider within the most recent six month evaluation period.

What program does this impact?

  • This only applies to Health Insurance Marketplace.

How will this work for Providers?

  • Community will “Gold Card” all providers who have a 90% approval rating on their prior authorization requests for the previous six months
    • Gold Card entails not having to request prior authorizations for treatment
    • Gold Card lasts at least six months after which we may review for renewal
  • The look back period for Gold Card will begin on January 1, 2022 through June 30, 2022.
  • After June 30, 2022 Community will conduct analysis and notify providers of their Gold Card status
  • Gold Card status will commence on October 1, 2022

Where can I find the Prior Authorization Code List?

Click here to view code list

*Please note this is subject to change as we await for additional information from the Texas Department of Insurance and HB 3459 continues to evolve.

Except for emergencies, Community requires prior authorization for all services performed by a non-participating Provider.

  • Pharmacy Authorizations
  • Vision Authorizations
  • For Medical/Acute Authorizations, Community accepts prior authorization requests via the following methods:
  • For Behavioral Health Authorizations, Community accepts prior authorization requests via the following methods:
    • Community Health Choice secure provider portal
    • Fax: 713.576.0932 (Inpatient)
    • Fax: 713.576.0930 (Outpatient)

Providers must submit the Prior Authorization Request Form, which you can view and download here.  The form must include the following information:

  • Member Name
  • Member Date of Birth
  • Member Medicaid/CHIP Identification Number
  • Requesting Provider Name and National Provider Identifier (NPI)
  • Servicing Provider Name and NPI
  • Requested Service
  • Current Procedures Terminology (CPT) Codes Requested
  • Number of Units Requested
  • Dates of Service
  • In Network Requesting Provider’s Dated Signature

For Transplant Prior Authorization Requests and Clinical Submission, Community accepts prior authorization requests via the following methods:

Click here for a list of requirements for Transplants.

Community Health Choice (Community) has internal clinical guidelines called Medical Review Guidelines (MRGs) that function as one of the sets of guidelines used for medical necessity determinations and coverage decisions. Our MRGs are evidence-based guidelines from:

  • Peer-reviewed, published medical journals.
  • Evidence-based consensus statements
  • Practice guidelines/standards from professionally recognized health care organizations
  • Evidence-based research reviews of a particular topic/technology

Our MRGs are used when the Texas Medicaid Provider Procedures Manual (TMPPM) does not have any clinical criteria for certain services. Our review guidelines are applied in the following order:

  • State/Federal guidelines and Contract Requirements
  • TMPPM
  • MRGs
  • InterQual
 
To avoid delays in authorization or administrative denials, Providers are encouraged to submit sufficient documentation to validate the medical necessity for the services being requested. This may include, current progress notes, history and physical, radiology or laboratory results, consult notes/reports, treatment plans showing progress to goals (e.g. therapy requests), or similar medical record documentation to illustrate medical necessity.

Community issues a determination within the following timeframes according to state regulatory requirements.

Prospective Review

  • Emergency Medical or Emergency Behavioral Conditions do not require prior authorization
  • Urgent – As soon as possible based on the clinical situation, but no later than one business day from receipt of a request for a Utilization Management (UM) determination
  • Routine – Within three business days from the receipt of a request for a UM determination
  • Inpatient – Within one business day from the receipt of a request for a UM determination
  • Post-hospitalization or life-threatening conditions – within one hour from the receipt of a request

Concurrent Review

Community issues the determination for reduction or termination of a previously approved course of treatment early enough to allow the patient to request a review and receive a decision before the reduction or termination occurs, but no longer than two business days.

Retrospective Review

Based on the Retrospective Review Policy for authorizations, if certain conditions are met Community will issue a determination, Community will issue a determination within 30 calendar days from the receipt of request for a retrospective UM determination for a service that Provider has already rendered and for which Provider has not submitted a claim. Fax requests for Retrospective Review with supporting documentation to 713.576.0937.

Pharmacy

  • Urgent – if prescribing Provider calls Community, Community will provide prior authorization approval or denial immediately.
  • Routine – Community will notify the prescribing Provider of prior authorization denial or approval no later than 24 hours after receipt.
  • If Community cannot provide response to a prior authorization request within 24 hours after receipt or the prescriber is unavailable to make request (after-hours) and dispensing pharmacist determines it is an emergency, Community will allow the pharmacy to dispense a 72-hour supply of the drug.

Community will administratively deny a claim if the Provider does not obtain an authorization prior to rendering services to a Member.  In no event will a Member be financially responsible for payments arising for such services, except for applicable Member expenses as may be required under a benefit plan/program.

Community provides timely and appropriate discharge planning services for a seamless transition from a hospital, skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility to the Member’s home setting.  Discharge planning may include, but not limited to the following:

  • Home Health Services
    • Skilled Nurse Visits
    • Physical Therapy
    • Occupational Therapy
    • Speech Therapy
  • Outpatient Services – Physical Therapy, Occupational Therapy, Speech Therapy
  • Durable Medical Equipment (including supplies)
  • Any other urgent discharge needs for the member’s transition back into the home setting

Please ensure to submit prior authorization requests to Community at least 24 to 48 hours prior to discharge from a hospital, skilled nursing or rehabilitation facility

If a Member is discharged during non-business hours and/or weekend, Providers should submit discharge planning requests the following business day.  If necessary, all discharge authorizations will be reviewed for evaluation and initial treatment.

For a continuation of treatment and services after discharge authorization, new physician orders from Member’s PCP or Specialist will be required. These requests must be submitted to the appropriate fax number for prior authorization requests. 

  • Complete the Texas Standard Prior Authorization request form or Community’s Preferred Prior Authorization form.
  • Attach discharge order from the hospital (signed script, discharge paperwork, electronic or verbal order, and Title 19). Include ICD-10 code(s), CPT and/or HCPCS code(s) with frequency, duration and amount of visits or visits being requested.
  • For members transitioning from an Acute hospital to LTAC or SNF:
    • Fax request (PA form and transfer orders with clinical information) to: 713.295.2284
  • For members transitioning  from an Acute hospital, LTAC or SNF to Home (place of residence):
    • Fax request (PA form and discharge orders with clinical information  to: 713.848.6940
  • Fax Behavioral Health authorization requests to: 713.576.0932

All discharge planning authorization requests will follow established processes and procedures related to eligibility, benefits, medical necessity, and other regulatory requirements.

If  an authorization request does not meet medical necessity, a Medical Director will review the request.

Community will send a fax notification to the requesting Provider with the offer of a Peer-to-Peer.

To request a Peer-to-Peer discussion, please call 713.295.2319. 

Health Insurance Marketplace
By mail:
Community Health Choice 2636 South Loop West, Ste. 125, Houston, Texas 77054
By email:
By phone:
  • Member Services: 713-295-6704 or 1-855-315-5386  (Monday – Friday; 8:00 a.m. – 5:00 p.m.) Information is available in English and Spanish. Call Community Health Choice to get an interpreter.
  • 24-hour Nurse Help line: 1-800-835-2362
  • Care Management: 713-295-2303 or 1-855-315-5386
  • Provider Services: 713-295-6704 Phone, 713-295-2283 Fax
  • Envolve Vision:  1-800-334-3937
  • Behavioral Health/Substance Abuse: 1-855-539-5881
 
Medicaid/CHIP
By mail:
Community Health Choice 2636 South Loop West, Ste. 125, Houston, Texas 77054
By email:
By phone:
  • Community General Information: 713-295-2222 or 1-877-635-6736 (Monday through Friday 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m.)
  • Member Services: 713-295-2294
Medicare
By phone:
  • Community General Information: 713.295.5007 or 1.833.276.8306 (October 1 to March 31, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm, 7 days a week and April 1 through September 30, Monday through Friday, 8:00 am to 8:00 pm. On certain holidays your call will be handled by our automated phone system.)

Why Choose Community?

As a local nonprofit health plan, Community Health Choice gives you plenty of reasons to join our Community. From the benefits and special programs we offer to the way our Member Services team helps you make the most of them, Community is always working life forward for you and your family.

“Community Health Choice is always there to answer my questions and help me and my family with our medical needs. I truly appreciate and value their customer support and service.”

– Cecily
Member of Community Health Choice