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Prior Authorization

Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction (WISeR) Model

The WISeR Model Prior Authorization and Medical Review Process leverages enhanced technologies, such as Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML), along with human clinical review, to ensure timely and appropriate Medicare payment for a select set of items and services that are vulnerable to fraud, waste, and abuse.

Timeframe

January 1, 2026 – December 31, 2031

Services

The WISeR Model includes certain services provided in:

  • Ohio (New Jersey, Oklahoma, Texas, Arizona, and Washington)
  • Hospital Outpatient Departments (HOPDs)
  • Ambulatory Surgical Centers (ASCs)
  • Physician office or home setting

CMS expects to deliver a final list of HCPCS codes no later than December 15, 2025.

Exclusions:

  • Inpatient-only services
  • Emergency services
  • Services that pose a substantial risk to patients if delayed
  • Services provided to people with Medicare Advantage

Model Participants

One model participant technology company is assigned to each participating state to:

  • Process prior authorization requests and issue affirmation or denial decisions.
  • Perform prepayment medical review for model service claims submitted without prior authorization.

Process

The WISeR Model is voluntary and doesn't change existing Medicare coverage or payment policy.

For services included in the model, participating providers have 3 options:

  1. Submit a prior authorization request directly to the model participant technology company.
  2. Submit a prior authorization request to CGS. CGS will then forward your information to the model participant technology company.
  3. Submit a claim without prior authorization. CGS will suspend the claim and forward it to the model participant for prepayment medical review.

Prior Authorization

  • Model Participant Submissions

    CMS expects to select and announce model participants by October 1, 2025.

  • CGS Submissions

    Beginning on January 5, 2026, CGS will accept prior authorization requests for dates of service on or after January 15, 2026.

    Submit prior authorization requests to CGS via:

    CGS will forward your information to the model participant. Within 2 business days, the model participant will send you a decision and Unique Tracking Number (UTN). Prior authorization decisions and associated UTNs are valid for 120 calendar days from the decision date.

    For each prior authorization request, providers are allowed an unlimited number of resubmissions (subsequent request after receiving a non-affirmed decision).

Prepayment Medical Review

For model service claims submitted without prior authorization:

  • CGS will suspend the claim and forward it to the model participant.
  • The model participant will send you an Additional Documentation Request (ADR) letter.
  • Send documentation to the model participant within the requested timeframe (may be sooner than the standard 45-day window).
  • CGS will process the claim based on the model participant's prepayment medical review decision.

Resources


Updated: 11.19.2025

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