Medical Pre-Certification Process

PURPOSE: This rule establishes the medical pre-certification process of the MO HealthNet Program for certain covered diagnostic and ancillary procedures and services prior to provision of the procedure or service as a condition of reimbursement. The medical pre-certification process serves as a utilization management tool, allowing payment for services that are medically necessary, appropriate, and cost-effective without compromising the quality of care provided to MO HealthNet participants. PUBLISHER’S NOTE: The secretary of state has determined that publication of the entire text of the material that is incorporated by reference as a portion of this rule would be unduly cumbersome or expensive. This material as incorporated by reference in this rule shall be maintained by the agency at its headquarters and shall be made available to the public for inspection and copying at no more than the actual cost of reproduction. This note applies only to the reference material. The entire text of the rule is printed here. (1) Providers are required to obtain pre-certification for certain specified services as outlined in the provider manuals before delivery of services. This rule shall apply to diagnostic and ancillary procedures and services outlined in the provider manuals and provider bulletins when ordered by a healthcare provider, unless provided in an inpatient hospital or emergency room setting. This pre-certification process shall not include primary services performed directly by the provider. In addition to services and procedures that are available through the traditional MO HealthNet program, expanded services are available to children twenty (20) years of age and under through the Healthy Children and Youth (HCY) Program. Some expanded services also require pre-certification. Certain services require pre-certification only when provided in a specific place or when they exceed certain limits. These limitations are explained in detail in the respective MO HealthNet provider manuals, which are incorporated by reference and made a part of this rule as published by the Department of Social Services, MO HealthNet Division, 615 Howerton Court, Jefferson City, MO 65109, and at its website at http://manuals.momed.com/ manuals/, October 12, 2022. The rule does not incorporate any subsequent amendments or additions. This rule shall only apply to those diagnostic and ancillary procedures or services that are listed in the provider manuals, which are incorporated by reference and made a part of this rule. (2) All requests for pre-certification must be initiated by an enrolled medical assistance provider and approved by the MO HealthNet Division. A covered service for which pre-certification is required must meet medical criteria established by the MO HealthNet Division’s medical consultants or medical advisory groups in order to be approved. (3) An approved pre-certification request does not guarantee payment. The provider must be enrolled and verify participant eligibility on the date of service. (4) Approved services/procedures must be initiated or dispensed within six (6) months of the date the pre-certification approval is issued. Services/procedures initiated or dispensed after the six- (6-) month approval period will be void and payment denied. (5) The pre-certification for a specific service is time and patient status and/or diagnosis sensitive. A denial at any given time shall not prejudice or impact the decision to grant a future request for the same or similar service. (6) Pre-certifications for exactly the same service may be granted to allow provision over an extended period of time and may be granted for a term of not more than one (1) year. (7) If a pre-certification request is denied, the MO HealthNet participant will receive a letter that outlines the reason for the denial and the procedure for appeal. The MO HealthNet participant must contact the MO HealthNet Division’s Participant Services Unit within ninety (90) days of the date of the denial letter to request a hearing. After ninety (90) days, a request to appeal the pre-certification decision is denied. AUTHORITY: sections 208.153, 208.201, and 660.017, RSMo 2016.* Original rule filed July 3, 2006, effective Feb. 28, 2007. Amended: Filed March 2, 2009, effective Aug. 30, 2009. Amended: Filed July 26, 2023, effective Feb. 29, 2024. *Original authority: 208.153, RSMo 1967, amended 1973, 1989, 1990, 1991, 2007, 2012; 208.201, RSMo 1987, amended 2007; and 660.017, RSMo 1993, amended 1995.