Prior Authorization Form Template with Examples
What is a Prior Authorization Form?
A prior authorization form template is a standardized document used by healthcare providers to request pre-approval from insurance companies before providing certain medical services. It ensures that services are covered by insurance before they are rendered, preventing claim denials and unexpected patient costs.
A well-structured prior authorization form typically includes:
- Patient Information: Name, date of birth, policy number, and contact details
- Provider Information: Requesting provider name, credentials, and practice details
- Service Information: Type of service, procedure code, and clinical indication
- Clinical Justification: Reason for service, medical necessity documentation
- Insurance Information: Insurance company name, policy number, and group number
- Authorization Request: Specific authorization being requested and timeline
- Supporting Documentation: Medical records, test results, and clinical evidence
Why Prior Authorization is Essential
Prior authorization prevents claim denials, confirms medical necessity, improves patient experience, and supports care coordination. Obtaining authorization before service delivery ensures that the service is covered and will be reimbursed.
Key Benefits:
- Ensures services are covered before delivery
- Prevents claim denials due to lack of authorization
- Protects revenue and improves cash flow
- Documents medical necessity
- Facilitates provider-payer communication
Key Components of a Prior Authorization Form
1. Patient Information Section
- Full legal name, date of birth, patient ID
- Insurance policy number and group number
- Contact phone number and address
2. Provider Information Section
- Provider name, credentials, and specialty
- Practice name, address, phone, and fax
- Provider NPI number and tax ID
3. Service Information Section
- Type of service (procedure, medication, device)
- Procedure code (CPT, HCPCS)
- Service description and requested quantity
- Proposed service date or timeline
4. Clinical Justification Section
- Diagnosis code (ICD-10) and description
- Reason for service and clinical symptoms
- Previous treatments attempted
- Expected clinical outcomes
5. Insurance Information Section
- Insurance company name and phone number
- Authorization request phone line
- Fax number for submission
- Online authorization portal information
6. Supporting Documentation Section
- Medical records attached
- Test results or imaging attached
- Previous treatment records attached
- Clinical notes attached
7. Authorization Request Section
- Specific authorization being requested
- Number of units or visits requested
- Timeline for authorization (routine/expedited/emergency)
- Authorization expiration date requested
Complete Prior Authorization Form Template

Automating Prior Authorization with HealOS
Modern healthcare organizations are automating prior authorization to submit requests, track status, and manage denials in real-time.
1. Prior Authorization Agent
Prior Authorization Agent: Automatically submits prior authorization requests to insurance companies and tracks approval status in real-time.
2. Insurance Verification Agent
Insurance Verification Agent: Verifies insurance coverage and identifies which services require prior authorization before they are ordered.
3. Clinical Documentation Agent
Clinical Documentation Agent: Ensures authorization documentation includes all required clinical information and meets insurance company requirements.
4. AI Medical Scribe Agent
AI Medical Scribe Agent: Generates clinical documentation supporting prior authorization requests, including medical necessity justification.
5. EHR Interoperability Agent
EHR Interoperability Agent: Automatically extracts relevant clinical information from the patient's EHR to support authorization requests.
6. Claim Processing Agent
Claim Processing Agent: Automatically processes claims based on prior authorization approvals.
7. Denial Management Agent
Denial Management Agent: Manages authorization denials and automates appeals with additional clinical documentation.
8. Accounts Receivable Management Agent
Accounts Receivable Management Agent: Tracks authorization-related claims and follows up on any payment delays or denials.
9. Utilization Management Agent
Utilization Management Agent: Evaluates medical necessity and applies utilization management guidelines.
10. Regulatory Compliance Agent
Regulatory Compliance Agent: Ensures prior authorization processes meet regulatory requirements and creates audit trails.
Automated Prior Authorization Workflow
STEP 1: Authorization Requirement Identification
├─ Insurance Verification Agent identifies authorization needs
├─ Clinical team orders service requiring authorization
└─ Prior Authorization Agent triggered
STEP 2: Clinical Documentation Compilation
├─ AI Medical Scribe Agent generates clinical documentation
├─ EHR Interoperability Agent extracts clinical information
└─ Clinical Documentation Agent validates completeness
STEP 3: Authorization Request Submission
├─ Prior Authorization Agent submits request
├─ Regulatory Compliance Agent validates submission
└─ Confirmation received from insurance company
STEP 4: Status Tracking & Follow-up
├─ Prior Authorization Agent tracks status
├─ Accounts Receivable Management Agent monitors timeline
└─ Alerts sent if delays occur
STEP 5: Approval or Denial Management
├─ If Approved: Claim Processing Agent processes claim
├─ If Denied: Denial Management Agent prepares appeal
└─ Utilization Management Agent evaluates resubmission
RESULT: Complete prior authorization workflow automatedFrequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: What services typically require prior authorization?
Common services requiring authorization include specialty referrals, diagnostic imaging (MRI, CT, PET), surgical procedures, mental health services, and physical therapy.
Q: How long does prior authorization take?
Routine authorization typically takes 5-10 business days. Expedited authorization may take 1-2 business days. Emergency authorization can be obtained same-day.
Q: What should I do if prior authorization is denied?
Review the denial reason, compile additional clinical documentation, and file an appeal. The Denial Management Agent can automate this process.
Q: Can I provide services without prior authorization if the patient agrees?
Generally, no. If authorization is required and not obtained, the claim will be denied regardless of patient agreement.
Q: How do I know if a service requires prior authorization?
Contact the insurance company directly or use the Insurance Verification Agent to verify coverage and identify authorization requirements.
Q: What information should I include in a prior authorization request?
Include patient demographics, insurance information, service details, procedure codes, diagnosis codes, clinical justification, and supporting clinical documentation.
Q: Can I submit prior authorization requests online?
Many insurance companies offer online authorization portals. The Prior Authorization Agent can submit through multiple channels.
Q: What is the difference between prior authorization and a referral?
A referral is a request for a specialist to evaluate a patient. Prior authorization is insurance company pre-approval for a specific service.
Q: How long is a prior authorization valid?
Authorization validity varies by insurance company and service type. Typical validity periods range from 30 to 90 days.
Q: What happens if I provide a service without obtaining required authorization?
The insurance company will likely deny the claim. You will not receive reimbursement, and the patient may be responsible for the full cost.
Ready to Automate Your Prior Authorization?
HealOS makes it simple with agents that work together to automate your entire prior authorization process: