Try for free

UnitedHealthcare Prior Authorization and Notification

UnitedHealthcare handles commercial prior authorization and advance notification for medical services through the Prior Authorization and Notification tool in the UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal, with no national paper request form. A clinician or office meets it when ordering a service on the plan's prior authorization list. The tool lets providers submit requests, attach clinical records and check status, and EDI 278 transactions are an alternative.

Who completes it

The ordering or rendering provider, or office staff, enters the request online with clinical attachments.

Submitting and payment

How to submit it
Use the Provider Portal's Prior Authorization and Notification tool or EDI 278; providers who cannot use the portal can call, and fax is accepted only for Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas commercial plans.

Good to know

  • UnitedHealthcare posts state-mandated paper forms where law requires them, such as Texas NOFR001 and NOFR002, Michigan FIS 2288 and California 61-211.
  • Drug prior authorization is handled by Optum Rx rather than this medical authorization tool.
  • An API status check is available for prior authorizations, and portal chat support runs 24 hours a day.
  • A Gold Card program is available for provider groups that meet UnitedHealthcare's eligibility requirements.

Get the official form

Download the current version from the source each time; forms change without notice.

UnitedHealthcare Prior Authorization and Notification (Provider Portal)

Official page

Get the note ready with Vero

UnitedHealthcare takes this form through its online services or your EMR, so there is no PDF to fill. Vero Scribe writes the visit note it draws on, so the details are ready when you complete it.

See how Vero Scribe works

How this list is checked

A form is listed only after its name and number were confirmed on the issuing agency’s or insurer’s own website, or in the form itself. Each entry links to that source. The list was last checked in October 2026. Forms and their requirements change without notice, so check the official page for the current version before you complete one.

Vero is not affiliated with, or endorsed by, the agencies and insurers listed here. Read our editorial policy.

Frequently asked questions

Can I fax a prior authorization request to UnitedHealthcare?

Only for commercial plans in Massachusetts, Nevada, New Mexico and Texas. Elsewhere, UnitedHealthcare takes requests through the Provider Portal's Prior Authorization and Notification tool or EDI 278, and providers who cannot use the portal can submit by phone.

How do I appeal a UnitedHealthcare prior authorization denial?

UnitedHealthcare lists no paper clinical appeal form for commercial plans; reconsiderations and appeals are handled through the Provider Portal. Status updates on the original request are also available in the Prior Authorization and Notification tool, so start there to review the decision before filing.