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Before submitting a request for authorization, a medical provider is responsible for reviewing the Utilization Review (UR) Guide to determine whether a service requires authorization.

WSI will review an authorization request on a claim with a pending or accepted status but does not review requests on an unfiled claim or a claim with a denied status. To obtain a claim number and/or status, access the Claim Lookup application.

A medical provider may find additional information on prior authorization requirements below.

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REQUEST PRIOR AUTHORIZATION FROM THE CLAIMS ADJUSTER

For most services requiring prior authorization from an injured employee's claims adjuster, a provider must contact WSI at 701-328-3800 or 800-777-5033. The exceptions to this process are below.

    For dental services, complete the American Dental Association (ADA) Dental Claim Form.

    For electro medical devices, complete the Electro Medical Device Certification Request (M5) form.

A provider should fax these forms with supporting documentation to 701-328-3820 or 888-786-8695.

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REQUEST PRIOR AUTHORIZATION FROM THE UR DEPARTMENT

A provider must complete either a UR Review Request (UR-C) form or UR Chiropractic Review Request (UR-Chiro) form to request prior authorization for a service as outlined in the Utilization Review (UR) Guide. The UR-C or UR- Chiro form can also be completed online through the myWSI portal by a registered user.

Registering for myWSI allows the user full application features, including:

  • Ability to upload supporting medical notes electronically
  • Option to receive email notifications when the UR request status changes
  • Access to track the UR request
  • Online access to the UR recommendation letter for 10 days from when a decision is made

For the below services requiring authorization from the UR department, complete the appropriate prior authorization request form, and submit it with supporting documentation.

     Independent Exercise (C59a) form for independent exercise program

     Work Hardening or Conditioning Program Request (C59b) form for work hardening/conditioning program

     Non-Emergent Air Ambulance Facility-to-Facility Request (M13) form for all non-emergent air ambulance facility- to-facility services

WSI will complete a review within 3 business days of receiving all required information. The UR department will provide notification of the UR recommendation via fax or phone, or through the myWSI portal if the request is submitted through this option.

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APPEAL UR DECISION

Review the UR notification letter for information on WSI's rationale for denial of authorization. Complete the applicable form (UR-C/UR-Chiro) and check the "Appeal" box in section 2. Submit the applicable form with new, relevant medical information that disputes the rationale provided in the UR notification letter.

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REQUEST RETROSPECTIVE AUTHORIZATION

Complete the Medical Bill Appeal (M6) form to request a retrospective authorization review only after receiving a denied charge for no prior authorization. Submit the M6 form with supporting documentation and provide an explanation to demonstrate:

  • The medical provider was not aware the condition was a work-related injury, or
  • The injured employee's claim status at the time of service was denied, presumed closed, or not filed.
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Below are additional aspects of prior authorization pertaining to certain types of services. A medical provider should use this information in conjunction with the standard prior authorization processes.

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AMBULANCE/TRANSPORTATION

WSI may require prior authorization for ambulance or transportation services, e.g., stretcher van, taxi, depending on the circumstances as outlined below.

Emergent Ground/Air Ambulance Service

WSI does not require prior authorization for an emergent ground or air ambulance service.

Non-Emergent Ground Ambulance Service

WSI requires a provider obtain prior authorization from an injured employee's claims adjuster for a non-emergent ground ambulance service. To request authorization from the claims adjuster, contact WSI at 701-328-3800 or 800-777-5033.

Non-Emergent Air Ambulance Service

WSI requires a provider obtain prior authorization from the UR department for a non-emergent air ambulance service. It is WSI's expectation a provider uses one of the following air transportation companies when possible: Bismarck Air Medical, Sanford Health (Sanford Air Med), TravelAire, or Trinity Health System (Trinity Health First Response Air). WSI has established Memorandums of Understanding (MOUs) with these companies to facilitate safe and cost-effective air transportation.

To request authorization, complete the Non-Emergent Air Ambulance Facility-to-Facility Request (M13) form and submit it with supporting documentation. WSI will complete a review within 24-hours, or by the end of the next business day, of receiving the required information. The UR department will provide notification of the UR recommendation to the requesting provider via fax. WSI also sends a follow-up UR notification letter.

Transportation Service

WSI requires a provider obtain prior authorization from an injured employee's claims adjuster for a transportation service. To request authorization from the claims adjuster, contact WSI at 701-328-3800 or 800-777-5033.

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CHIROPRACTIC

A chiropractor may provide chiropractic care to treat a work injury without prior authorization during the initial window period, which includes:

  • 10 visits (including the initial evaluation) or 60 days of care, whichever comes first
  • Treatment of all body parts accepted on a claim
  • Up to 2 modalities per visit

Each claim has one window period, which encompasses all body parts accepted on a claim. A change in treating chiropractor during an established course of treatment does not initiate a new window period.

WSI does not reimburse for massage or manual therapy performed with a manipulation to the same spinal region on the same visit during the window period.

Acute/Subacute/Palliative Chiropractic Care

A chiropractor must obtain prior authorization from the UR department for all treatment extending beyond the initial window period. WSI's review process does not distinguish between acute, subacute, and palliative chiropractic treatment requests. Treatment extending beyond the initial window period that requires prior authorization includes:

  • Manipulations
  • Therapeutic Procedures
  • Modalities

To request authorization, submit the UR Chiropractic Request (UR-Chiro) form. A referral for chiropractic care from the primary treating provider does not waive the prior authorization requirements.

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DENTAL

WSI requires a dental provider obtain prior authorization from the injured employee's claims adjuster for the dental services listed below by submitting the American Dental Association (ADA) Dental Claim Form.

  • Restorative fillings, crowns, bridges, and veneers
  • Dentures and implants, including partial or impartial and fixed or removable
  • All dental surgical procedures whether performed in the office or outpatient setting, including endodontics, periodontics, oral, and maxillofacial surgery
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DURABLE MEDICAL EQUIPMENT (DME)

A provider should refer to the Durable Medical Equipment Guide, which outlines WSI's authorization requirements for DME items. To request authorization for an electro-medical device, submit the Electro Medical Device Certification Request (M5) form. For all other DME requiring prior authorization, contact the injured employee's claims adjuster.

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INJECTIONS

WSI requires a provider obtain prior authorization from the UR department for most injections as outlined in the UR Guide. To request authorization, submit the UR Review Request (UR-C) form.

A provider should review the Documentation Requirements for Prior Authorization of Therapeutic Injections policy, which outlines the minimum elements of documentation required by the UR department. A provider may use the Post Injection Pain Response Note form to assist in meeting the documentation requirements when requesting authorization for subsequent injections. The use of this form is not mandatory, and it does not replace the UR-C form.

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PHYSICAL/OCCUPATIONAL THERAPY

A therapist may provide therapy treatment without prior authorization during the initial and/or post-op window periods, which include:

  • An initial evaluation or re-evaluation visit
  • 10 visits or 60 days of care, whichever comes first
  • Treatment of all body parts accepted on a claim
  • Up to 2 modalities per visit
  • Up to 4 units per visit, including timed and/or non-timed codes

Treatment must begin within 90 days of the surgery or manipulation to qualify for a post-op window period. WSI allows separate window periods for physical and occupational therapy. A change in treating therapist during an established course of treatment does not initiate a new window period.

WSI requires a therapist obtain prior authorization from the UR department for all treatment occurring outside of an initial or post-op window period. To request authorization, submit the UR Review Request (UR-C) form.

When a provider receives approval from the UR department for exercise, it includes:

  • Therapeutic Exercise - CPT® 97110
  • Neuromuscular Reeducation - CPT® 97112 
  • Gait Training - CPT® 97116
  • Manual Therapy - CPT® 97140
  • Therapeutic Activities - CPT® 97530
  • Self-Care / Home Management - CPT® 97535

Work Hardening/Work Conditioning

WSI does not differentiate between Work Hardening (WH) and Work Conditioning (WC) services. The treating therapy facility must obtain prior authorization from the UR department for all WH/WC services by submitting the Work Hardening or Conditioning Program Request (C59b) form. A therapist should be aware that approval for WH/WC does not include:

  • Evaluation and Management (E/M) services
  • Psychological evaluation or treatment
  • Functional Capacity Assessment/Evaluation (FCA/FCE)

If WSI authorizes these services, a provider should bill CPT® 97545 for the initial 2 hours and CPT® 97546 for each additional hour.

Independent Exercise Program

WSI may authorize up to 3 months of an independent exercise program as an extension of a formal therapy program. To initiate an independent exercise program, the primary treating provider or therapist must obtain authorization from the UR department by submitting the Independent Exercise Request (C59a) form. The primary treating provider, therapist, or fitness facility may submit subsequent requests for an independent exercise program.

If WSI authorizes this service, a provider should bill using WSI Specific Code W0555.

Functional Capacity Evaluation (FCE) / Functional Capabilities Assessment (FCA)

Only a therapist with FCE/FCA certification may perform the evaluation. An FCE/FCA requires prior authorization from an injured employee's claims adjuster. To request authorization from the claims adjuster, contact WSI at 701-328-3800 or 800-777-5033.

If WSI authorizes this service, a provider should bill using WSI Specific Code W0540.