Before submitting a request for authorization, a medical provider is responsible for reviewing the Prior Authorization Guide to determine whether a service requires authorization.
WSI will review a 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.
For most prior authorizations, a provider is required to submit supporting documentation.
A provider may find additional information on prior authorization requirements below.
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 Request (M5) form.
A provider should fax these forms with supporting documentation to 701-328-3820 or 888-786-8695.
To submit a prior authorization request for a service as indicated in the Prior Authorization Guide, submit a Prior Authorization Review Request (UR-C) form or UR Chiropractic Review Request (UR-Chiro) form or complete online in myWSI.
For the below services requiring authorization from the UR department, complete the appropriate prior authorization request form.
Independent Exercise (C59a) form or online in myWSI for independent exercise program
For non-emergent air ambulance facility- to-facility services, complete the Non-Emergent Air Ambulance Facility-to-Facility Request (M13) form.
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 myWSI if the request is submitted through this option.
The UR notification letter details WSI's rationale for denial of authorization. To appeal a UR decision, complete the applicable form (UR-C or UR-Chiro) and check the "Appeal" box in section 2 or complete online in myWSI. Submit the appeal with new, relevant medical information that disputes the rationale provided in the UR notification letter.
To submit a retrospective authorization request only after receiving a denied charge for prior authorization, submit a Medical Bill Appeal (M6) form or complete online in myWSI,
Submit with supporting documentation and provide an explanation to demonstrate:
- The 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.
Below are additional aspects of prior authorization pertaining to certain types of services. A provider should use this information in conjunction with the prior authorization processes.
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 mails 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.
A chiropractor may provide chiropractic care to treat a work injury without prior authorization during the initial window period. The initial window period 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 a 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
A referral for chiropractic care from the primary treating provider does not waive the prior authorization requirements.
To request authorization, submit the UR Chiropractic Request (UR-Chiro) form or submit online in myWSI.
WSI requires a dental provider obtain prior authorization from the injured employee's claims adjuster for the dental services listed below.
- 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
To request authorization for a dental service, submit the American Dental Association (ADA) Dental Claim Form.
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.
WSI requires a provider obtain prior authorization from the UR department for most injections as outlined in the Prior Authorization Guide.
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.
To request authorization, submit the Prior Authorization Review Request (UR-C) form or submit the request online in myWSI.
A therapist may provide treatment without prior authorization during the initial and/or post-operative window periods. These window periods include:
- 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 a surgery or manipulation to qualify for a post-operative window period. WSI allows separate window periods for physical and occupational therapy. A change in the treating therapist during an established course of treatment does not initiate a new window period.
WSI requires a therapist to 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 Prior Authorization Review Request (UR-C) form or submit the request online in myWSI.
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 and Work Conditioning.
To request authorization, submit the Prior Authorization Review Request (UR-C) form or submit the request online in myWSI.
A therapist should be aware that approval for Work Hardening/Work Conditioning does not include:
- Evaluation and Management (E/M) services
- Psychological evaluation or treatment
- Functional Capacity Assessment/Evaluation (FCA/FCE)
If WSI authorizes this service, 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.
For more information about services requiring prior authorization, contact the UR department at 701-328-5990 or 888-777-5871 or contact WSI Customer Service at 701-328-3800 or 800-777-5033.
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