This Part 1 of 3 is a provider-facing summary of Fidelis Care COVID-19 operational guidance that modifies prior authorization, utilization review and billing requirements for Medicaid, Child Health Plus (CHP) and HealthierLife programs. It confirms that any Medicaid/CHP/HealthierLife service provided by a nonparticipating (out‑of‑network) provider/facility/physician requires prior authorization, and that all inpatient admissions require authorization (emergency room stabilization services are not subject to authorization but post‑stabilization inpatient admissions are).
The guidance aligns with New York State OMH and OASAS policies for behavioral health and substance use disorder care: OMH‑licensed inpatient mental health services in‑state are not subject to prior authorization with specified utilization‑review triggers and notification requirements, and in‑state, in‑network OASAS‑licensed inpatient SUD services are exempt from prior authorization and concurrent review for the first 28 days if facilities notify Fidelis and submit required LOCADTR/Appendix A forms.
The policy identifies delegated third‑party reviewers for specific specialties and programs: prior authorization reviews for specified outpatient orthopedic/spinal and musculoskeletal services, therapy, radiology and radiation therapy functions have been delegated to Evolent (NIA) effective per program dates, and ENT and cardiac surgical procedure prior authorization has been delegated to TurningPoint Healthcare Solutions, LLC (associated devices/HCPCS are reviewed by the same delegates).
The document lists numerous service categories, CPT/HCPCS and revenue codes that continue to require prior authorization (including transplants, many outpatient surgical groups, behavioral health testing, select DME/MLTC supplies, home health/personal care, therapeutic/interventional procedures and pharmacy/oncology medications) and provides operational contacts, fax/email instructions, and vendor submission routes (including Evolent web portal and Pharmacy e‑fax) to support authorization and utilization‑management workflows.