All PlansAdministrativeMedium impact
New in Availity Essentials: Streamline Authorization Follow-Ups by Viewing and Responding to RFAI Online
Ambetter·NV·Prior Authorization
We identified it
Sep 4, 2026
Summary
Availity Essentials now allows providers to view and respond to Requests for Additional Information (RFAI) directly within the platform instead of via phone or fax. The Authorization/Referral Dashboard now displays pending RFAI requests with payer messages, and providers can upload up to 10 attachments (64 MB total) to respond online. This streamlines the prior authorization follow-up process and eliminates manual communication channels.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing and authorization teams should familiarize themselves with the new RFAI feature in Availity Essentials by accessing the Help & Training section and viewing the three-minute demo or step-by-step instructions. Update internal workflows to monitor the Authorization/Referral Dashboard for requests with 'Pending Action – Contact Payer' status in the Status/Last Updated column. Train staff to respond to RFAIs online through the platform rather than via phone or fax. For authorizations submitted outside Availity Essentials (through other portals or fax), use the Authorization/Referral Inquiry tool and pin them to the dashboard to ensure RFAI requests are visible. Note: RFAI requests sent before an authorization is pinned to the dashboard will not appear in Availity and will continue arriving through other channels.