All PlansAdministrativeMedium impact
BH Outpatient Update: Electronic Auth Extensions Now Available
Highmark·PA, NY, DE, WV, WPA, NENY, WNY, SEPA, CPA · Psychiatry·Provider Bulletin
Effective date
Jul 20, 2026
We identified it
Jul 21, 2026
Summary
Highmark now allows behavioral health outpatient therapy authorization extensions to be requested electronically through Availity Essentials via Predictal, eliminating the need for faxes or phone calls. This streamlines the prior authorization extension process for providers but does not change coverage policies or eligibility criteria. Denied authorizations remain ineligible for extensions.
Action Required
By July 20, 2026: Behavioral health providers must update their authorization extension workflows to use the electronic portal in Availity Essentials via Predictal instead of traditional faxing or phone calls. Billing team and authorization staff should be trained on accessing the Authorization Detail screen in Predictal to initiate extension requests. Note that denied authorizations cannot be extended through this portal and will still require alternative resolution processes. Update internal procedures and staff training documentation accordingly.