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Avoid This Error When Submitting MSK Authorization Requests
Highmark·Orthopedics, Sports Medicine, PM&R (Physical Medicine & Rehab) +2 more·Provider Bulletin
Effective date
May 1, 2026
We identified it
May 19, 2026
Summary
When submitting authorization requests for musculoskeletal (MSK) services through Availity Essentials, providers must select 'Surgical' under Service Type instead of 'Medical Injectable' to avoid processing delays. This change became necessary after MSK authorization management transferred from eviCore to Highmark on May 1, 2026.
Action Required
Immediately: All staff submitting MSK authorization requests must select 'Surgical' under Service Type in Availity Essentials instead of 'Medical Injectable'. Train authorization staff on correct selection process. Selecting the wrong service type will cause processing delays for MSK authorization requests.