UnitedHealthcare (UHC) recently announced in its November Network News that beginning February 1, 2023, providers will be required to submit claim reconsiderations and post-service appeals electronically for UHC commercial and Medicare Advantage products.

UHC indicates that contracted providers can submit claim reconsiderations and post-service appeals electronically in several ways including, via theUnitedHealthcare Provider Portal or via API.

The change to electronic claim reconsiderations and post-service appeals is part of UHC’s continuing initiative to move providers to all-paperless communication. In March 2022, UHC discontinued mailing appeal decision letters for its Medicare Advantage and commercial plans excluding UnitedHealthcare West plans. A month later in April, UHC stopped mailing prior authorization and clinical decision letters, including letters requesting additional information, approvals and denials to practices.

Physicians with questions or concerns, or that may need to request a hardship exemption from this policy, should contact their UHC Provider Service Advocate or UHC at (877) 842-3210 for more information.