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Medicare Prior Authorization Change Summary: Effective 4/1/26

02/26/26
As part of our ongoing work to improve the prior authorization (PA) process for both providers and members, WellCare of North Carolina 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 can be found below. These 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.

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

Prior Authorization Updates
Service Category  PA Rule Services Procedure Codes

 

 

 DME Services 

 

 

No PA Required
for PAR Providers

Beds E0185
Orthotic & Prosthetic L1951
Supplies & Devices E0486
 Drug Codes No PA Required
for PAR Providers
Medications J1096
 Genetic Analysis No PA Required
for PAR Providers
Genetic Testing 81240, 81256
 Physician Services No PA Required
for PAR Providers
Other Services G3002
 Skin Procedures PA Required Muscle Flap Procedures 15734, 15736, 15738
 Surgery Procedures  No PA Required
for PAR Providers
Surgery-Nervous
System
64718, 64719
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Y0020_WCM_178064E_M Last Updated On: 11/10/2025