For certain medical procedures, supplies, and drugs, PacificSource requires approval in advance—a process called prior authorization or preauthorization. This is to determine whether the procedure or medicine is covered under your plan.
Your provider can request prior authorization from our Health Services Department by fax, mail, or email. If the provider won’t request prior authorization for you, you may contact us directly and we’ll assist with the process. In some cases, we may ask for more information or a second opinion before authorizing coverage.
Prior authorization resources
Prescription Drugs
Our Find a Drug page includes information on prescription drugs requiring prior authorization.
View our Prior Authorization Criteria
View our Step Therapy Criteria
Medical procedures and supplies
With our Provider Authorization Grid, you can search for a procedure or medical supply to learn whether prior authorization is required.
Important notes
- A prior authorization does not mean that the entire cost of the service will be covered. Your plan’s deductible, coinsurance, and copays still apply. (You can learn more about these terms in our Glossary).
- "Experimental or investigational" procedures and surgeries are not covered.
- If your treatment is not preauthorized, you can still seek treatment, but you will be responsible for the expense if it is not medically necessary, or is not covered by your plan.
If you’re unsure whether an expense will be covered, or for any questions about your benefits, we encourage you to contact our Customer Service team.