All PlansAdministrativeMedium impact
New in Availity Essentials: Streamline Authorization Follow-Ups by Viewing and Responding to RFAI Online
Ambetter·WA·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 through phone calls or faxes. This streamlines the prior authorization follow-up process by enabling online submission of supporting clinical documentation through a centralized dashboard.
Action Required
Immediately: Billing and authorization staff should log into Availity Essentials and familiarize themselves with the new RFAI functionality. Access the Authorization/Referral Dashboard and review the step-by-step process for responding to RFAI requests. For authorizations submitted outside Availity Essentials (via other portals or fax), use the Authorization/Referral Inquiry tool to pin them to the dashboard for tracking. Complete the three-minute demo available under Help & Training > Get Trained, searching for 'CNC' and 'Auth Request for Additional Information.' Update internal workflows to prioritize online RFAI responses to expedite authorization follow-ups and reduce claim delays.