Skip to Main Content

Print | Bookmark | Font Size: + |

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's office
  • Beneficiary's home

See the WISeR Model Provider and Supplier Operational GuideExternal PDF:

  • Appendix A – WISeR Select Items and Services
  • Appendix B – WISeR Associated Codes List
  • Appendix C – ICD-10 Indications for Relevant WISeR Items and Services

Claim exclusions:

  • Veterans' Affairs
  • Indian Health Services
  • Medicare Advantage (including IME only claims)
  • Part A/B rebilling
  • Emergency Department services (revenue code 045X or modifier ET)

Model Participants

InnovaccerExternal Website, the model participant technology company assigned to Ohio, will:

  • 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, choose one of the following options:

  • Submit a prior authorization request before you render the service.
  • Render the service and submit a claim without prior authorization. CGS will suspend the claim and forward it to Innovaccer for prepayment medical review.

Prior Authorization

Beginning on January 5, 2026, you may submit prior authorization requests for dates of service on or after January 15, 2026.

  • Complete the WISeR Model Prior Authorization (PAR 457) formPDF and choose one of the following submission methods:
  • Innovaccer 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).

Please visit the InnovaccerExternal Website website for additional details.

Prepayment Medical Review

For WISeR service claims submitted without prior authorization:

  • CGS will suspend the claim and forward it to Innovaccer.
  • Innovaccer will send you an Additional Documentation Request (ADR) letter.
  • Send documentation to Innovaccer within 45 days.
  • CGS will process the claim based on Innovaccer's prepayment medical review decision.

Please visit the InnovaccerExternal Website website for additional details.

Questions

Innovaccer Call Center: 202.796.1619
Email: ohcmswiser-inquiry@innovaccer.com (to be added to Innovaccer's distribution list)

Resources


Updated: 01.02.2026

spacer

26 Century Blvd Ste ST610, Nashville, TN 37214-3685 © CGS Administrators, LLC. All Rights Reserved