All PlansAdministrativeMedium impact
New in Availity Essentials: Streamline Authorization Follow-Ups by Viewing and Responding to RFAI Online
Ambetter·AR·Prior Authorization
We identified it
Sep 4, 2026
Summary
Availity Essentials now allows providers to view and respond to Requests for Additional Information (RFAI) online through the Authorization/Referral Dashboard, eliminating the need for phone calls or faxes. Billing teams can upload supporting documentation directly within the platform (up to 10 attachments or 64 MB total) and track all authorization follow-ups from a single dashboard.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing team and authorization staff should familiarize themselves with the new RFAI workflow in Availity Essentials. (1) Access the Authorization/Referral Dashboard and identify pending RFAIs by looking for 'Pending Action – Contact Payer' status. (2) Review the 'Review Reason 1' field for payer messages and scroll to the RFAI section for request details. (3) Prepare supporting clinical documentation and upload responses directly in Availity (up to 10 files, 64 MB max). (4) For authorizations submitted outside Availity (portal or fax), use the Authorization/Referral Inquiry tool and pin to dashboard for tracking. (5) Complete the 3-minute demo and step-by-step training available in Availity Essentials Help & Training section (search 'CNC' or 'process requests for additional information authorizations'). Transitioning from fax/phone follow-ups to online responses will reduce processing delays and improve authorization cycle times.