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Thank you to all those who participated in the NYS Workers’ Compensation Board’s recent survey on our new OnBoard system and the prior authorization request (PAR) process that runs through it. We received input from nearly 900 OnBoard users across the state, and this valuable feedback has already guided several recent and planned improvements, and highlighted some areas for ongoing education and guidance.
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Grant without prejudice at Level 1 review - now available!
Payers at a Level 1 review now have the option to grant without prejudice on the basis of Body Part/Condition Not Accepted or Established. OnBoard has been updated to reflect this change in the Reason for Granting without Prejudice dropdown menu.
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Level 2 review process updates – now available!
There have been several updates to the Level 2 review process, including the removal of Level 1 reviewer title options, more title options which may request additional information, and a new attestation.
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Weeks clarification added to DME duration fields – now available!
Where duration is entered for a Durable Medical Equipment (DME) prior authorization request (PAR), "weeks" has been added to the DME Duration field label for clarity, so users know they are expected to specify the number of treatment weeks in that field.
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Frequency and duration fields – now available!
PARs for treatment and testing now include fields for providers to enter the frequency and duration of the request. This information is available within the Request Details section of a submitted PAR and is included in any system-generated documents.
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Unsupported browser alert – now available!
If an OnBoard user attempts to access the system through an unsupported browser, a new display message now appears, providing the list of supported browsers and directing the user to the system requirements page.
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In terms of future OnBoard enhancements, the Board is currently working on a timeline and plan to:
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Enable delegate submission of PARs
In early 2024, provider delegates will be able to submit PARs on behalf of the treating provider (with provider sign off), in addition to preparing PARs.
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Prevent duplicate PARs
We’re adding functionality within OnBoard to automatically identify duplicate PARs and prevent them from being routed through the system.
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Enable the withdrawal of PARs
In the future, health care providers will be able to withdraw a PAR when needed (for example, if the provider makes an error.)
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Confirmation PARs: As a general reminder, confirmation PARs are optional for health care providers, but once submitted, the payer must respond. Injuries and illnesses that have recommended treatments specified in the Medical Treatment Guidelines do not require PARs if the patient meets the criteria in the guidelines. Health care providers can provide faster, more efficient care by simply providing the recommended treatment or service.
Re-submitting PARs: To prevent unnecessary effort and delays, health care providers should only re-submit a PAR if there’s been a material change in the patient’s clinical status.
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Please watch for further updates on the above and other enhancements coming to OnBoard.
If you have additional feedback or ideas on how we can make your OnBoard experience better, don’t wait for a survey; please share your feedback with us anytime by writing to OnBoard@wcb.ny.gov.
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