Prior AuthorizationUpdated Dec 21, 2025

Payer-Specific Authorization Requirements

Reference guide for prior authorization requirements by major insurance payers, including visit thresholds, documentation needs, and submission methods.

1

Understanding payer variation

Each insurance payer has unique prior authorization requirements. Some require auth before the first visit, others after a set number of visits (typically 8-12). PRACTIS maintains a database of 2,000+ payer rules, updated weekly, so you never miss a requirement.

2

Medicare requirements

Traditional Medicare does not require prior authorization for most outpatient PT services, but does require a physician referral and plan of care. Medicare Advantage plans, however, frequently require prior auth. PRACTIS automatically detects the patient's specific Medicare plan type and applies the correct rules.

3

Major commercial payer rules

PRACTIS tracks requirements for all major commercial payers: UnitedHealthcare (auth required after 12 visits), Aetna (auth required for all visits), Blue Cross Blue Shield (varies by state plan), Cigna (auth after 8 visits), and Humana (auth after 10 visits). These thresholds are automatically applied to each patient.

4

Viewing payer rules in PRACTIS

Navigate to Settings > Payer Rules to view and customize authorization requirements for each payer in your practice. You can override default rules for specific payer contracts and add custom rules for regional or specialty payers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Newsletter

Get our weekly PT practice insights

Join 2,400+ practice owners receiving actionable tips on AI automation, billing optimization, and compliance every Thursday.

2,400+ subscribers

No spam, ever. Unsubscribe anytime.

Need help?
Ask our AI assistant about pricing, features, or demos.