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June 9, 2026

Important Prior Authorization Updates (Effective Oct. 1, 2026)

Effective October 1, 2026

As part of our ongoing work to improve the prior authorization (PA) process for both providers and members, WellCare of Kentucky wants to share some important updates to our PA requirements. Our goal is to reduce administrative burden, simplify submission and approval processes, and facilitate timely access to appropriate, high-quality care.

Code change details are noted in the table below. The changes may include:

  • Removing PA requirements based on criticality of review and clinical need.
  • Creating a more uniform set of prior authorization requirements across our markets and lines of businesses, including adding and changing some PA requirements, to simplify processes, reduce confusion for providers, and support future efforts to expand real-time responses to requests.

For questions about specific prior authorization codes or how these changes affect your practice, please reach out to your local Provider Engagement representative.

Service CategoryPA RuleServicesProcedure Codes
Behavioral HealthPA RequiredTreatment Services97157
Behavioral HealthNo PA RequiredBehavioral Health Assessment96121
Diagnostic ServicesPA RequiredTherapy Services92526
GastroenterologyNo PA RequiredEndoscopies43236, 43237, 43242, 43244
Genitourinary ProceduresNo PA RequiredSurgery – Male Genitalia55866
Home ServicesNo PA RequiredHome VisitS9211, S9213
HospicePA RequiredHospice Services651
Physician ServicesNo PA RequiredDiagnostic Testing91110, 91111, 91112, 91113
Surgery ProceduresNo PA RequiredTonsil and Adenoid Procedures42820, 42825, 42835, 42836
Surgery ProceduresNo PA RequiredEye and Ocular Adnexa67904
Surgery ProceduresNo PA RequiredAuditory System69420, 69421, 69433, 69436, 69610