UnitedHealthcare to Eliminate Prior Authorization Requirements for Key Radiology and Cardiology Procedures
In a major change to make care access simpler, UnitedHealthcare announced it will eliminate prior authorization on certain radiology and cardiology services starting Jan. 1, 2026.
The update will eliminate the need for prior authorization for nuclear imaging, obstetrical ultrasound, and echocardiogram services in various plan types at UnitedHealthcare. The change is applicable to the UnitedHealthcare commercial plans, Community Plans, Individual Exchange plans, UnitedHealthcare® Medicare Advantage plans, and Rocky Mountain Health Plan products.
Plans Affected
The elimination of requirements of prior authorization covers the following:
- UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company
- UnitedHealthcare Mid-Atlantic, Inc.
- UnitedHealthcare Plan of the River Valley, Inc. and UnitedHealthcare Insurance Company of the River Valley
- Oxford Health Insurance, Inc.
- United Healthcare Level Funded (formerly All Savers Life Insurance Company of California)
- Neighborhood Health Partnership, Inc.
- UnitedHealthcare Individual Exchange plans, also referred to as UnitedHealthcare Individual and Family ACA Marketplace plans
- UnitedHealthcare Services, Inc.
- UnitedHealthcare Community Plans
- UnitedHealthcare® Medicare Advantage plans, including Dual Special Needs Plans
- Rocky Mountain Health Plan Prime RAE (Medicaid)
- Rocky Mountain Health Plan CHP
The UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal offers 24/7 live chat assistance to providers who have questions or need additional support.
