UnitedHealthcareHigh ImpactPrior Auth

North Carolina and Virginia prior authorization for outpatient therapies: Medicaid

Published January 12, 2026Effective November 1, 2025

AI Summary

Effective November 1, 2025, UnitedHealthcare will require prior authorization for physical therapy, occupational therapy, and speech therapy services for Medicaid members in North Carolina and Virginia. The first 6 visits within 8 weeks are covered without clinical review but still require prior auth submission.

Action Required

By October 1, 2025: Billing team must update systems to require prior authorization for all PT, OT, and ST services for UnitedHealthcare Medicaid members in North Carolina and Virginia. Submit prior auth requests within 2 business days of first service date using the UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal. Include signed referral, current evaluation report/plan of care, and progress notes. Claims will be denied without proper prior authorization.

Plan Types

Medicaid

States

NC, VA

Specialties

physical-therapy, occupational-therapy, pm-r

North Carolina and Virginia prior authorization for outpatient therapies: Medicaid | UnitedHealthcare | PolicyChanges.app