All PlansAdministrativeMedium impact
New in Availity Essentials: Streamline Authorization Follow-Ups by Viewing and Responding to RFAI Online
Ambetter·KS·Prior Authorization
We identified it
Sep 3, 2026
Summary
Availity Essentials now allows providers to view and respond to Requests for Additional Information (RFAI) directly within the platform instead of through phone or fax. This streamlines prior authorization follow-ups by enabling online submission of supporting clinical documentation with up to 10 attachments (64 MB total) through a centralized Authorization/Referral Dashboard.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing and authorization teams must begin using the Authorization/Referral Dashboard in Availity Essentials to monitor and respond to RFAI requests. Update internal workflows to direct staff to check for 'Pending Action – Contact Payer' status on the Dashboard Summary page and respond through the RFAI section rather than via phone or fax. For authorizations submitted outside Availity Essentials, use the Authorization/Referral Inquiry tool to pin them to the dashboard for tracking. Staff should access the three-minute demo and step-by-step instructions via Help & Training in Availity Essentials or the Provider Help Center to ensure proper use of the new RFAI response functionality.