CalMHSA Connex: How to Create a Prior Authorization

Prior Authorizations can be created as a part of the referral initiation workflow or independent of a referral. 

To create a new prior authorization, follow the steps below:

  1. Click the Patient/Clients icon to search for your client.
  2. Once you have located your client, click the ellipsis icon (3 dots).
  3. Click Request Authorization from the menu options.
  1. Fill in the referral details:
    1. Service Category (required): The broad classification of the service being requested.
    2. Service Type (required): The specific service within the selected category.
    3. Include How Often (optional): This will be the frequency the service is needed.
    4. Include Diagnosis (optional): Select relevant diagnoses from the patient record. You can search through populated diagnoses as needed to select any applicable information.
    5. Duration (required): The length of time is required (i.e., X number of days/weeks/months).
    6. Start Date (required): The requested start date for the service to begin. Date selection can be in the past or future.
    7. Urgency (required): The urgency level — Standard, Expedited, or 24 Hours.
    8. Authorized Reviewer (required): The organization/location that will review and
    9. Justification: Free-text clinical justification for the service.
    10. Documents: Upload supporting document(s). Each document requires a document type to be selected.
  2. Click Next.

Note: You can add multiple service entries to a single authorization request using the “+ Add Service” button. Each service entry is submitted as a separate authorization but linked to the same patient and submission.

  1. Review the authorization and click Save and Publish.
    1. Alternatively, if you need to save a draft before finalizing by clicking the dropdown arrow and selecting Save Draft.