Page 101 - R2P Front Desk Manual v1

How to Submit an ASH MNR

American Specialty Health (ASH) is partnered with Cigna insurance, and effective 8/1/18, all
patients with Cigna may require authorization for physical therapy through ASH because R2P is
located in the ASH service area. ASH authorization is usually required after the patient’s 5th
visit at the clinic; it is obtained by submitting an online Medical Necessity Review (MNR)
through the ASH portal. Requests are reviewed and updated in the portal within 2-3 business
days. The MNR can be backdated up to 180 days.
● Note: The ASH authorization requirement does not reset annually, as it is based on the
diagnosis and treatment that the patient is receiving. If a patient’s plan benefits reset
during their treatment, continue submitting MNRs, though ASH representatives state this
may be based on individual plans so the clinic should ask about a reset for each patient.

When scheduling Cigna/ASH patients, Coordinators should try and schedule the initial
evaluation and 5 follow up visits in anticipation of authorization being required after the 5th visit.
The patient’s 5th total visit should be scheduled as a re-evaluation (red appointment) in
order for the PT to use updated measurements and information when submitting the MNR.

To submit an ASH MNR:
Each PT should complete an ASH MNR on their own personal laptop, as the form is lengthy and
can take ~20 minutes to complete. The PT is able to save a draft when necessary and can
return to finish the submission at a later time.
a. Send PTs all login information and link to the ASH portal via Slack.
b. Add 30-minute blue “Consultation” blocks on the WebPT schedule for PTs to use
open time to complete MNRs.

1. Log in to the ASH Portal.
2. In the blue toolbar across the top of the home page, click Search.

Last Update: 7/10/19