Dear Provider,
In anticipation of the upcoming October 1 ICD-10 compliance update, WellCare wants to share the following important Questions and Answers regarding authorization services:
Q: How will WellCare handle authorization of services that occur on or after the ICD-10 compliance date.
A: We will follow WellCare's current process, which is to issue authorizations based on request date. If an authorization is requested on or before the compliance date, and the date of service is on or after October 1, 2015, providers should submit an ICD-10 code. - If the authorization is requested after the compliance date, the ICD-10 code will be required. - For existing approved prior authorizations coded in ICD-9 whose effective period spans the ICD-10 implementation date of October 1, 2015, there is no need to obtain another authorization. - WellCare is currently accepting ICD-10 codes for authorizations and referrals whose start of care is October 1, 2015 or later. We will not accept any ICD-9 diagnosis codes after October 1, 2015. Please see additional FAQs on our website.
