CommercialAdministrativeMedium impact
Enter Medical Prior Authorizations Electronically for CareFirst Members
CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield·Prior Authorization
Effective date
Mar 9, 2026
We identified it
Jun 20, 2026
Summary
CareFirst now allows providers to submit medical prior authorizations electronically through their Provider Portal (CareFirst Direct), eliminating the need to fax requests. This streamlines the authorization process with features like real-time approvals for qualifying requests and the ability to attach clinical documentation directly.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team and providers should transition to using the CareFirst Provider Portal (CareFirst Direct) for all CareFirst prior authorization submissions instead of faxing. Staff should complete the On-Demand Training in the CareFirst Essentials section of the Learning and Engagement Center to learn the electronic submission process. Update workflow procedures to utilize the portal's features including clinical documentation attachments and status tracking.