Authorizations
Prior authorization is the requirement that a physician or other qualified provider obtain approval from Blue Shield before prescribing a specific medication, procedure and/or service.
Authorization tools
Blue Shield providers can submit medical and pharmacy authorizations online in AuthAccel. Blue Shield Promise providers can submit medical authorizations online, but pharmacy requests must be faxed.
The status of all medical and pharmacy requests can be viewed in AuthAccel for both Blue Shield and Blue Shield Promise members, regardless of how they are submitted.
Below are instructions for using AuthAccel.
Request a medical authorization (PDF, 326 KB)
View medical authorization status (PDF, 270 KB)
Request a pharmacy authorization (PDF, 251 KB)
View pharmacy authorization request (PDF, 177 KB)
AuthAccel frequently asked questions (PDF, 281 KB)
Is authorization required for a Blue Shield of California member
See if medical service requires prior authorization.
View medical authorization status
Check the status of medical authorization requests you’ve submitted.
Request pharmacy authorization for Blue Shield members
Submit your pharmacy requests online via AuthAccel.
View pharmacy authorization status
Check the status of pharmacy authorization requests you've submitted.
Request pharmacy prior authorization electronically
Submit requests with CoverMyMeds®, an electronic prior authorization provider.
Pre-service review
Access online tools to verify medical policy, determine pre-service requirements, request authorization.
Drug formularies and policies
Search drug formulary database and find policy info on oral, topical and home-injectable drugs.
Medical policies and procedures
Learn about our medical policies, policy goals and new technologies coverage decisions process.
Policy and prior authorizations for out-of-state members
Find medical policy and general prior authorization requirements.
Prior authorization forms for Blue Shield members
Download and print prior authorization forms for procedures and drugs.
Prior authorization list for Blue Shield (including Medicare 65+) and FEP members
Search a list of medical services and procedures requiring prior authorization.
Prior authorization forms for Blue Shield Promise members
Download prior authorization forms for procedures and drugs.
Prior authorization list for Blue Shield Promise members
Search a list of medical services and procedures requiring prior authorization.
AuthAccel training and info
Learn to use AuthAccel, Blue Shield's online prior authorization system.
IPA authorization log upload
Submit logs of approvals, denials, and partial denials for a medical or pharmacy service.