API

Prior Authorization Inquiry API

Deliver accurate payer status with an API built to simplify prior authorization inquiries.

The Prior Authorization Inquiry API checks for authorization status from payers in real time. It connects EDI, web portal payers and utilization management (UM) vendors for authorization inquiries. It can receive your request in JSON or EDI-X12 format and return it in the same format.

By receiving authorization status right away from the patient’s payer, your clinical staff can respond early to any noncompleted status prior to a patient’s scheduled appointment.

JSON and EDI-X12 formats available

It can receive and return client data in either X12-278 or JSON over HTTPS. We’ll return the data in the same format the client used to send the transaction.

Both EDI and portal payers available

Our system is connected to EDI/direct payers and a wide range of web portal payers. The API is also responsible for payer-specific requests and request transformation.

UM vendors available for authorization inquiries

We’re connected to all major UM vendors for radiology services in addition to most of the major medical connections.

Returns 13 authorization statuses

We’ll return a variety of 278 certification action codes that represent the payer’s authorization status, which users can then interpret to understand the status. These codes represent common statuses, such as approved, partially approved, pending and denied, plus other error messages.

Developer resources

Prior Authorization Inquiry API

Our outcomes
E-book

Steps to smarter prior authorization

With automation and skilled partners, health companies can save resources and improve patient care. Read the e-book to learn more.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How can I test it in the sandbox?

A: Our team can create an account for you to test the API in our sandbox. We have a few pre-written responses, that are not from payers, so you can see how the responses appear.  

Q: How long will it take for us to set up your system and use your API?

A: You’ll need to send the data according to our API contract and handle the responding data. Our implementation team will need to work with your client to map their payer IDs to our system's payer ID.  

Q: Does the Inquiry Authorization check for status daily automatically?

A: No, the Inquiry API checks synchronously upon a request. It’s in the 2025 roadmap to automatically check the status daily until the authorization date of service, or until the authorization has reached its terminal status (approved, denied).

Q: What's the difference between this API and the regular Institutional Claims API?

A: The standard Institutional Claims API uses a separate set of rules and logic for scrubbing an institutional claim, and is automatically applicable across a range of institutional specialties. The Integrated Rules Institutional API provides greater specialization through the selection of Knowledge Packs to support your provider's medical specialties. It can be considered complementary to the standard Institutional Claims API.

Request Sandbox Access
That's right. FREE. Zip. Nada.
As in, no money.

Begin your free trial today!

Sandbox Request

Application Programming Interface

To request for a sandbox access, please select product by category.

Personal information
Please fill out the form to request access to a sandbox.
 
 

By submitting my information I consent to receiving more information about Optum products.