Skip to main content

Find Care

Your Guide to Understanding Prior Authorization

A woman shaking hands with a doctor in a sunny waiting room.

What is prior authorization?

Prior authorization is a process where doctors ask Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois to approve certain health care services or drugs to be covered by your plan.1 

You’ll sometimes hear prior authorization called preauthorization, pre-certification or prior approval. 

When you need to go through the prior authorization process, we, along with outside vendors2, check the service or drug asked for to find out if it’s a medical necessity and appropriate for your needs. This is part of a larger process called utilization management. Review does not replace the advice of your provider.

A doctor speaking with a patient in a clinic room.

How do I know if I need prior authorization?

Start by taking a look at your plan's specific details. You can find your plan details in your online member account. Each plan has different covered services and prior authorization requirements, so it's important to double check your plan specifically. Use our search tools below or check your Summary of Benefits and Coverage to get started. 

Prior authorization is normally needed for more expensive, non-urgent procedures and medicines.

Search Services That Need Prior Authorization

If you're fully insured3, or have an employer-sponsored plan or individual and family plan, look up procedures, prescription medicines and behavioral health service that might require prior authorization.

Not fully insured? Review your Summary of Benefits and Coverage (SBC) in your online member account. Medicaid members should visit our Medicaid website to review prior authorization details.

Stethoscope icon

Medical Procedures

Some medical procedures like surgeries, organ transplants, imaging or therapies often require a prior authorization request.

Search medical procedures
Pills icon

Medical or Prescription Drugs

Search medical drugs, like specialty prescriptions or those with specific use guidelines, that may require prior authorization.

Search medical drugs
Depression icon

Behavioral Health Services

Prior authorization may be required for some behavioral services like psychological testing or psychiatric care.

Search behavioral health care
Man in a hospital bed.

What to Expect: A Step-By-Step Guide

What does the prior authorization process look like? Here's a short guide to help you know what to expect:

  1. You and your doctor decide on the care you need. They'll normally tell you if your services or medicine need prior authorization.
  2. Your provider will normally start the prior authorization process by submitting documents to BCBSIL.
  3. Prior authorization is submitted to BCBSIL and reviewed.
  4. A decision is made and shared with you and your provider. If your request is denied, you or your doctor can file an appeal.

 

How can I check my prior authorization status?

To check the status of your prior authorization request, log in to your online member account. There, you'll see your prior authorization request history and the statuses.

Log In to Start

Review BCBSIL's Prior Authorization Code Lists

To find the full list of services and drugs that require prior authorization, click below to download a copy of the spreadsheet. Except as otherwise noted, these prior authorization requirements are effective as of Jan. 1, 2026:

A woman sitting at a computer while speaking on the phone.

Know What to Do: Requesting Prior Authorization Yourself

Normally, your doctor will handle the prior authorization process for you. But it's always a good idea to check. In some cases, especially if you use an out-of-network doctor, you may need to handle prior authorization yourself.

Start by calling the number on your member ID card. When you call, we'll need the following information:

  • Your name, subscriber ID number and date of birth
  • Your provider’s name, address and National Provider Identifier (NPI)
  • Information about your medical or behavioral health condition
  • Your provider's proposed treatment plan, including any diagnostic or procedure codes
  • When you'll get care and, if you're being admitted, an estimated length of stay
  • Where you’re being treated

Frequently Asked Questions

Common Questions About the Prior Authorization Process

 

Resources

Helpful Articles for Prior Authorization

1Prior authorization is not a guarantee of benefits or payment. The terms of a member’s plan control the available benefits.

2Carelon Medical Benefits Management (Carelon) is an operating subsidiary of Anthem, Inc., an independent specialty medical benefits management company that provides utilization management services for BCBSIL.

eviCore® is a trademark of eviCore healthcare, LLC, formerly known as CareCore, an independent company that provides utilization review for select health care services on behalf of Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Illinois.

3Not sure if you’re fully insured? Check with your HR department or benefits administrator. If you aren’t fully insured, check your benefit booklet to learn your list of services that require prior authorization. If you still have questions, please call the Customer Service number listed on your BCBSIL member ID card.