
BCBSNC requires prior authorization for certain medical equipment, including durable medical equipment (DME) and prosthetics.
To ensure timely approval, it's essential to submit the prior authorization form accurately and thoroughly.
BCBSNC's prior authorization form for medical equipment includes a detailed checklist of required documentation, which must be completed by the healthcare provider.
This documentation typically includes the patient's medical history, diagnosis, and treatment plan, as well as information about the medical equipment being requested.
The prior authorization form for medical equipment also includes guidelines for specific types of equipment, such as oxygen concentrators and ventilators.
Prior Authorization Process
Prior authorization is a process that requires your insurance provider to approve certain services, treatments, and prescription drugs before they can be provided. This process is also known as prior review or prior approval.
Other names for prior review include prior approval, prior authorization, prospective review, certification, and precertification.
In an emergency, prior review isn't required, but your insurance provider should be notified of an urgent or emergency admission by the second business day after the admission.
Here are the steps involved in the prior authorization process:
- Your healthcare provider will submit the prior authorization to your health insurance company.
- Your health insurance company will review the prior authorization and decide if it should be approved or denied.
- Approved prior reviews are sent back to your provider. Your provider and/or your insurance company will let you know if it is approved.
- Denied prior reviews are sent back to your provider with a reason for denial and information about how to submit an appeal to the insurance company.
- You must get a prior review approved before the services, treatments, or prescriptions are provided.
Forms and Submissions
If you're looking for forms to submit for prior authorization, Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina (BCBSNC) has a variety of options available. Certain durable medical equipment fax forms are required for specific medical devices.
You can find forms for equipment like Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) or Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO), Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea, and Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Rental or Purchase Prior Authorization.
Some of the forms you may need include:
- Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) or Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO) PA Request Form (PDF)
- Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea PA Request Form (PDF)
- Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BIPAP) for Treatment of Breathing Related Sleep Disorders PA Request Form (PDF)
- Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure with Backup Rate (BIPAP ST) for Treatment of Breathing Related Sleep Disorders PA Request Form (PDF)
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Rental or Purchase Prior Authorization (PA) Request Form (PDF)
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Repair or Replacement Prior Authorization (PA) Request Form (PDF)
- Hospital Bed PA Request Form (PDF)
- Knee Orthosis PA Request Form (PDF)
- Lumbar Sacral Orthosis (LSO)/Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis (TLSO) PA Request Form (PDF)
- Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) Pump Rental PA Request Form (PDF)
- Non-invasive Home Ventilator PA Request Form (PDF)
- Oxygen PA Request Form (PDF)
- Standard Wheelchair PA Request Form (PDF)
Durable Medical Equipment Fax Forms
Durable medical equipment fax forms are a crucial part of the healthcare process, and it's essential to know which ones to use.
Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) or Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO) PA Request Forms are available in PDF format for faxing.
You'll also need a Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea PA Request Form, which is also available in PDF.

Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BIPAP) for Treatment of Breathing Related Sleep Disorders PA Request Forms are another type of fax form you may need.
Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Rental or Purchase Prior Authorization (PA) Request Forms are also available for faxing.
Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Repair or Replacement Prior Authorization (PA) Request Forms are used for equipment repair or replacement.
Here are some common durable medical equipment fax forms:
- Ankle Foot Orthosis (AFO) or Knee Ankle Foot Orthosis (KAFO) PA Request Form
- Bi-Level Positive Airway Pressure (BiPAP) for Treatment of Obstructive Sleep Apnea PA Request Form
- Bi-level Positive Airway Pressure (BIPAP) for Treatment of Breathing Related Sleep Disorders PA Request Form
- Continuous Positive Airway Pressure (CPAP) Rental or Purchase Prior Authorization (PA) Request Form
- Durable Medical Equipment (DME) Repair or Replacement Prior Authorization (PA) Request Form
- Hospital Bed PA Request Form
- Knee Orthosis PA Request Form
- Lumbar Sacral Orthosis (LSO)/Thoracic Lumbar Sacral Orthosis (TLSO) PA Request Form
- Negative Pressure Wound Therapy (NPWT) Pump Rental PA Request Form
- Non-invasive Home Ventilator PA Request Form
- Oxygen PA Request Form
- Standard Wheelchair PA Request Form
These fax forms are all available in PDF format, making it easy to download and print them.
CPT Codes
CPT codes are used to request approval for medical services, prescriptions, or supplies before they're rendered.
To get approval, you'll need to request it in writing from the local plan where the service will be performed or pharmacy programs.
Receiving written assurance that benefits will be provided is an essential step in the process.
Appeals and Reviews
If your prior authorization is denied, don't worry, you have the right to appeal. Your insurance provider may deny the authorization if they believe the service, treatment, or prescription isn't medically necessary.
To appeal a denied prior authorization, your healthcare provider can submit an appeal to the insurance company. During the appeals process, you may need to provide additional information to support your case.
Your healthcare provider will submit the appeal to the insurance company, who will then review it and make a decision. If the appeal is approved, the insurance company will send the approved prior review back to your provider.
Denied prior reviews are sent back to your provider with a reason for denial and information about how to submit an appeal to the insurance company. This information is crucial in helping you understand why your appeal was denied and what you can do to improve your chances of success in the future.
Here are the steps involved in the appeals process:
- Your healthcare provider submits an appeal to the insurance company.
- The insurance company reviews the appeal and makes a decision.
- If the appeal is approved, the insurance company sends the approved prior review back to your provider.
- If the appeal is denied, your provider will let you know the reason for denial and information about how to proceed.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the phone number for prior authorization for BCBS of NC?
To request prior authorization for Blue Cross Blue Shield of North Carolina, call 800-672-7897, Monday through Friday, 8 AM to 5 PM ET. This number connects you to Blue Cross NC's Utilization Management team.
Sources
- https://www.bluecrossnc.com/providers/prior-authorization
- https://publicsitesok.hcsc.net/provider/forms/index.html
- https://www.bluecrossnc.com/providers/prior-authorization/request-ppa
- https://www.bluecrossnc.com/members/knowledge-center/request-prior-review
- https://www.bluecrossnc.com/providers/forms-documents
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