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 Guide
:
- 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
Innovaccer
, 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) form
and choose one of the following submission methods:
- Submit prior authorization requests to CGS; CGS will forward the request to Innovaccer:
- myCGS portal

- Fax: 615.660.5300
- Mail: PO Box 20203, Nashville, TN 37202
- myCGS portal
- Submit prior authorization requests directly to Innovacer:
- Electronic Submission of Medical Documentation (esMD)

- Innovaccer WISeR portal (coming soon)
- Electronic Submission of Medical Documentation (esMD)
- Submit prior authorization requests to CGS; CGS will forward the request to Innovaccer:
- 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 Innovaccer
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 Innovaccer
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
- Innovaccer

- WISeR (Wasteful and Inappropriate Service Reduction) Model

- WISeR Model Fact Sheet

- WISeR Provider Fact Sheet

- WISeR Model Frequently Asked Questions

- WISeR Model Provider and Supplier Operational Guide

- WISeR Model Q&As
Updated: 01.02.2026

