Ambetter Essential, Balanced and Secure Care Plans

Referrals

If you have a specific medical problem, condition, injury or disease, you may need to see a specialist.  A specialist is a provider who is trained in a specific area of healthcare. Talk to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) first. He/she will refer you to a specialist for care if necessary. Do not go to a specialist without being referred by your PCP. The specialist may not see you without this referral.

It is also important you verify the specialist you are referred to is in the Ambetter from Magnolia Health network, so you don’t get billed for something you weren’t expecting.

Please note, there are some services that you may go directly to a specialist for without a referral. For example, you do not need a referral from your PCP for treatment from an in-network obstetrician or gynecologist. For a full listing of these services, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage - you can find it on your online member account at Ambetter.MagnoliaHealthPlan.com. 

If you need care that your PCP cannot provide, he/she can recommend a specialist provider. Paper referrals are not required.

The following are services that may require a referral from your PCP:

• Specialist services, including standing or ongoing referrals to a specific provider
• Diagnostic tests (X-ray and lab)
• High tech imaging (CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, etc.)*
• Planned inpatient admission*
• Clinic services
• Renal dialysis (kidney disease)*
• Durable Medical Equipment (DME)*
• Home healthcare*

*Services above marked with an asterisk require prior authorization through Ambetter from Magnolia Health before receiving the service.

Prior Authorization for Services

Sometimes, we need to approve medical services before you receive them. This process is known as prior authorization. Prior authorization means that we have pre-approved a medical service.

To see if a service requires authorization, check with your Primary Care Provider (PCP), the ordering provider or Member Services. When we receive your prior authorization request, our nurses and doctors will review it.  We will let you and your doctor know if the service is approved or denied.

Information about the review process, including the timeframes for making a decision and notifying you and your provider of the decision, is located in the Utilization Review section of your Member Handbook.

Failure to obtain prior authorization may result in a denied claim(s). To see a full listing of procedures and services that require PRIOR AUTHORIZATION, please log in to your secure member account to view your Schedule of Benefits.

The following services require the member’s provider to contact Ambetter from Magnolia Health for prior approval:

THE FOLLOWING LIST IS NOT ALL-INCLUSIVE

Ancillary Services

• Air ambulance transport 
• Durable Medical Equipment (DME)
• Home health care services
• Hospice
• Furnished medical supplies
• Orthotics/prosthetics
• Genetic testing
• Quantitative urine drug screen

Procedures/Services

• Reconstructive Surgery
• Experimental or investigational
• High Tech Imaging administered by NIA (CT, MRI, PET)
  • Submit requests to RadMD.com
• Pain management
• Cardiac and respiratory therapy

Inpatient Admissions

• All inpatient admissions (within 1 business day of admission)
• Observation stays exceeding 48 hours
  • Notification is required within one (1) business day if admitted
• Transplants (not including evaluations)
• Urgent/emergent admissions
• Partial inpatient, PRTF, and/or intensive outpatient programs
• All elective/scheduled admission notifications requested at least five (5) days prior to the scheduled date of admit including but not limited to:
  • Medical admissions
  • Surgical admissions
  • Hospice care
  • Rehabilitation facilities

Out-of-Network Services: All out-of-network services and providers require prior authorization, excluding emergency services.

You can also call your PCP or Ambetter from Magnolia Health Member Services with questions.

All out-of-network services require prior authorization, excluding emergency room (ER) services.

Ambetter Virtual Plan

Your Ambetter Virtual Access plan requires a referral from your Primary Care Provider (PCP) before you can see most specialists. Your claim will not be covered without a referral. 

Here’s what you need to do:

1. Create Your Online Member Account

If you haven’t already, set up your online member account at ava.teladoc.com. This is the best way to manage your health insurance and get the most out of your coverage.

2. Click on “Virtual Access” or “Telehealth Connect Now” to Select Your PCP (Primary Care Physician)

Select a Teladoc Virtual Primary Care Physician (PCP) and schedule your first wellness appointment. Your PCP will help coordinate all your health care services.

Important!

• To see a specialist, you must obtain a referral from your Teladoc Virtual PCP.
• If you have an appointment already scheduled with a specialist, you will need to schedule a visit with your new Teladoc Virtual PCP through the Ambetter Virtual Access Member app. You will need to obtain a referral prior to the specialist visit.
• It’s easy to confirm referrals made by your PCP through the Ambetter Virtual Access Member app. If you do not have a referral from your PCP, your specialist visit will not be covered. The claim will be denied, and it won’t be paid.

Referrals are NOT required for the following services:

• Emergency services
• Urgent care services
• Mental health, behavioral health, and substance abuse services
• Obstetrical and gynecological care

3. Meet With Your PCP

Meet with your Teladoc Virtual PCP by video or phone. Discuss your goals, follow up with your Care Team, and obtain any necessary referrals.

4. Review Your Benefits

Other Teladoc virtual services include Urgent Care, Mental Health, Dermatology, and Nutrition. Log in to your Ambetter Virtual Access account to see what other health benefits are included through your health plan.

Referral FAQs

Medical referrals are required to see a specialist if it's outside of the Primary Care Physicians' scope. Members must obtain a referral before consulting with an in-network specialist if they are a Virtual plan member.