August 6, 2020
Prior Authorization for Certain Hospital Outpatient Department (OPD) Services: Part A Claims Only
CMS established a nationwide prior authorization process and requirements for certain hospital outpatient department (OPD) services. Effective for dates of service beginning July 1, 2020, prior authorization must be requested for specific CPT/HCPCS codes for five groups of hospital OPD services:
- Blepharoplasty
- Botulinum toxin injections
- Panniculectomy
- Rhinoplasty, and
- Vein ablation
The specific CPT/HCPCS codes are listed here.
Once the prior authorization is affirmed, a unique tracking number (UTN) is sent to the OPD. When the service is billed, the UTN must be added to the OPD’s Part A claim.
NOTE: Only the hospital OPD is required to include the UTN on claims, as the prior authorization process is only applicable to hospital OPD services. The Part B physician and other billing practitioners are NOT to submit the UTN. Part B physician/practitioners should submit their claims as usual; however, claims related to/associated with services that require prior authorization as a condition of payment will not be paid, if the OPD service requiring prior authorization is not eligible for payment.
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