UnitedHealthcare Prior Authorization for Imaging: Phone, Portal, Forms
Where to submit a UnitedHealthcare prior authorization for MRI, CT and PET, the phone number to call, the forms and code lists, and the guidelines the reviewer uses.
UnitedHealthcare runs its outpatient radiology prior authorization program through its own provider portal, using eviCore imaging guidelines for commercial and exchange plans.
Where to submit
UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal, Prior Authorization and Notification tool
secure.uhcprovider.com
Phone
866-889-8054
Radiology prior authorization, 7 a.m. to 7 p.m. local time, Monday to Friday (commercial and exchange plans)
Forms, lists and appeals
- Radiology prior authorization program page
- CPT code list for commercial and exchange plans
- Codes that no longer need prior authorization from Jan. 1, 2026
- Quick reference guide
- Crosswalk table (which codes can be swapped on an approved request)
- Frequently asked questions
- Prior authorization and notification overview
What to know
- Prior authorization may be required for CT, MRI, MRA, PET and nuclear cardiology done as an outpatient.
- No authorization is needed for imaging done in an emergency room, observation unit, urgent care center or during an inpatient stay.
- Medicare Advantage and Dual Special Needs plans do not require prior authorization for CT, MRI or MRA.
- Several plan types are excluded from the program, including Oxford, UMR, UnitedHealthcare Shared Services and some self-funded groups; the quick reference guide lists them.
- A request needs the member ID and group number, the ordering provider's NPI and tax ID, the CPT codes, the working diagnosis with ICD-10 codes, and the clinical picture with symptoms, duration and treatments tried.
Checked against uhcprovider.com on September 29, 2026. Plans change their vendors and phone numbers; if something here is out of date, tell us.
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