Provider FAQs

Access the list of services, procedures and medical policies requiring authorization (certification) prior to providing the service.

Search codes on MedPolicy Blue »

View the Preauthorization List

All investigative denials will be considered provider liability, even if a preauthorization is done and denied as being investigative. 

Per our Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Nebraska (BCBSNE) Provider Procedures, a provider may hold a member financially liable for a medical necessity or investigative denial only if:

• The provider has advised the member – prior to services being provided – that he or she may be financially liable for the services provided
• The provider must give the member an estimate of financial liability

For a situation where a patient requests services considered not medically necessary and/or investigative and agrees in writing to be responsible for the non-covered charges, the provider must file a paper claim with the signed patient waiver. If a claim is filed without a waiver and the claim is denied as provider liability (but a waiver was signed prior to the claim being filed), a provider may submit a reconsideration with the waiver.

If a written agreement cannot be obtained, verbal notification may be given by the provider. The verbal notification must be documented in the patient’s medical records at the time the notification is given, and evidence provided to BCBSNE. For all other balances, the provider agrees not to bill or collect any amount from the member.

The most efficient way to expedite a preauthorization is to submit your request online. You can also fax your request with medical rationale.

Reminders:

• For Preauthorization Requirements
  
  To verify if preauthorization is required for a specific procedure code you must utilize the medical policy tool.
  
  
• Out of Area Members
  
  For out of area members, please select Pre-Service Review for Out of Area Members workflow in NaviNet.

The Musculoskeletal (MSK) program is designed to improve quality and manage the utilization of Interventional Pain Management (IPM) procedures and musculoskeletal surgeries. 

• Musculoskeletal surgeries are a leading cost of health care spending trends.
• Variations in member care exist across all areas of surgery (care prior to surgery, type of surgery, surgical techniques and tools and post-op care)
• Diagnostic imaging advancements have increased diagnoses and surgical intervention aligning with these diagnoses rather than member symptoms.
• Medical device companies marketing directly to consumers.
• Surgeries are occurring too soon leading to the need for additional or revision surgeries.

Outpatient IPM:

A separate prior authorization number is required for each procedure ordered. A series of injections will not be approved.

• Spinal Epidural Injections 
• Paravertebral Facet Joint Injections or Blocks
• Paravertebral Facet Joint Denervation (Radiofrequency (RF) Neurolysis) 

Outpatient and Inpatient Spine Surgeries:

•  Lumbar Microdiscectomy
• Lumbar Decompression (include laminotomy, laminectomy, facetectomy, foraminotomy)
• Lumbar Spine Fusion (Arthrodesis) With or Without Decompression – Single and Multiple Levels
• Lumbar Artificial Disc Replacement -Single and Multiple Levels
• Cervical Anterior Decompression with Fusion (ADCF) –Single and Multiple Levels 
• Cervical Posterior Decompression with Fusion – Single and Multiple Levels
• Cervical Anterior Decompression (without fusion)
• Cervical Posterior Decompression (without fusion)
• Cervical Artificial Disc Replacement – Single and Multiple Levels  

Evolent (formerly National Imaging Associates, Inc.) does not manage prior authorization for emergency MSK surgery cases that are admitted through the emergency room or for MSK surgery procedures outside of those listed above.

Please refer the Preauthorization Update for MSK and IPM FAQs and presentation for information 

To support faster, more efficient service and reduce administrative burden, BCBSNE is updating how providers access preauthorization status.

Effective Dec. 1, 2025, preauthorization status will be available only through our digital tools, which include:

• The automated phone system
• NaviNet
• The online preauthorization form

Checking Status via NaviNet^®

To check the status of a preauthorization request submitted via NaviNet, please follow these steps:

1. Log in to NaviNet.
2. Under Workflows for this Plan, select Preauthorization or Precertification.
3. Select the ordering provider and click the submit button.

Note: The rendering facility will be able to view the status only if the ordering provider identified the rendering facility when entering the request in NaviNet.

4. Click the Authorization List icon from the menu on the left side of the screen to view the authorizations.

For more guidance refer to the Preauthorization/Precertification elearnings on the provider academy.

Providers will need to contact us directly to withdraw a preauthorization request. If you need to withdraw a request, please call Customer Service. We’re here to assist you.

To avoid delays in preauthorization's, please ensure you click the Policy Code Link when submitting an outpatient authorization after inputting the CPT/HCPC code. This step is necessary to successfully access the review criteria. In instances where the entered code does not retrieve the anticipated policy, please select “No Policy Applies.” Failure to select the policy code will result in delays in the review and decision of the preauthorization request. 

Please refer to the provider procedure below that outlines the Medicare Advantage (MA) preauthorization requirements.

MA Prior Authorization and Precertification Requirements

BCBSNE requires precertification for all acute (non-emergency) inpatient and observation admissions to hospitals or facilities on or before the first day of admission. Unplanned admissions can be submitted the first business day following admission.

For participating (PAR) providers: Please submit a precertification request online via Navinet  

For out of network and out of state providers only: Access the Universal Prior Authorization Request by visiting our Preauthorization page and clicking the 'Submit OON and OOS Preauthorization' button.

Please visit our Preauthorization page for more details.

You should use the Universal Prior Authorization Request Form for the following exceptions:

• Hospice services
• Newborns requiring services who have not yet been added as a permanent member of the benefit plan
• Member lookup exception: when a member’s information is not found in NaviNet

Why are these exceptions in place?
These exceptions help ensure timely processing and support care coordination when standard digital tools are not applicable.

Where can I find the form?
The Universal Prior Authorization Request Form will be available on the Provider Preauthorization page. Specific buttons will guide providers to the appropriate option for these exceptions.

Appeals (medical records only)

• 888-492-4944
• 402-548-4684

Commercial (medical records only)

• 402-392-4111
• 800-991-7389

Medicare Advantage Pre-Cert (inpatient medical records only)

• 1-866-422-5120

Can I send preauthorization requests to these fax numbers?
No. These fax lines are for medical records only. If preauthorization requests are sent to these numbers, they will not be processed. Providers will receive a faxed response indicating the request was misrouted.

Out-of-state and out-of-network providers can submit preauthorization requests using one of two methods:

• Preferred Method: If you have access to the provider portal, please use it to submit your request.
• Alternative Method: If you do not have portal access, you may use the Universal Prior Authorization Request Form, available on the Provider Preauthorization page. Clear navigation buttons will guide you to the appropriate option for these exceptions.

The online form will be available starting Nov. 5, 2025.

If you are not listed as the ordering provider, servicing provider, or facility provider on the submitted preauthorization, you will not be able to view it in NaviNet. 

If you need information about a preauthorization that was submitted by another provider, please reach out directly to the ordering provider for details. They will be able to share the relevant information with you.