Determining Medical Necessity

PCHP uses the following criteria resources for determining Medical Necessity:

PCHP uses the following clinical elements for determining Medical Necessity for behavioral health services:

  • Assessment of local delivery system and network access
  • Co-occurring conditions (SUD, medical, IDD)
  • Coordination between BH and medical providers
  • Current medications or medication changes
  • Current symptoms (e.g. risk to self/others, psychosis, active substance use, relapse risk)
  • Current treatment plan
  • Diagnosis
  • Discharge plan
  • Family and social supports
  • Functional impairment
  • Presenting problem/reason for referral
  • Psychosocial situation and home environment
  • Response to treatment or barriers to treatment

Request for SUD services will be reviewed using ASAM criteria. Reviews will be largely structured around the 6 Dimensions. Providers will be expected to identify the level of care requested based on ASAM LOCs. 

When requesting authorization for Court Ordered care, providers must submit a copy of the Court Order to PCHP. If a Court Order is not received, PCHP will process the request using appropriate Medical Necessity Criteria.

Medical Policies