CommercialAdministrativeMedium impact
Availity® Authorizations To Accept Concurrent Reviews and Extensions for Behavioral Health Services
BCBS Illinois·IL · Psychiatry·General
Effective date
Apr 13, 2026
We identified it
Jun 16, 2026
Summary
Blue Cross Blue Shield Illinois has expanded their Availity Authorizations tool to allow providers to submit concurrent reviews and extensions for behavioral health services online. This new functionality covers both inpatient and outpatient behavioral health authorizations for commercial members and includes the ability to edit existing authorization requests.
Action Required
Immediately: Behavioral health providers should register for the free Availity training sessions to learn how to use the new concurrent review and edit functionality. Update workflow procedures to utilize the online Authorization/Referral Dashboard for behavioral health concurrent reviews instead of manual processes. Continue checking eligibility and benefits through Availity Essentials before rendering services.