Referrals

If you have a specific medical problem, condition, injury or disease, you may need to see a specialist.  A specialist is a provider who is trained in a specific area of healthcare. Talk to your Primary Care Provider (PCP) first. He/she will refer you to a specialist for care if necessary. Do not go to a specialist without being referred by your PCP. The specialist may not see you without this referral.

It is also important you verify the specialist you are referred to is in the Ambetter from Meridian network, so you don’t get billed for something you weren’t expecting.

Please note, there are some services that you may go directly to a specialist for without a referral. For example, you do not need a referral from your PCP for treatment from an in-network obstetrician or gynecologist. For a full listing of these services, please refer to your Evidence of Coverage - you can find it on your online member account at AmbetterMeridian.com. 

If you need care that your PCP cannot provide, he/she can recommend a specialist provider. Paper referrals are not required.

The following are services that may require a referral from your PCP:

• Specialist services, including standing or ongoing referrals to a specific provider
• Diagnostic tests (X-ray and lab)
• High tech imaging (CT scans, MRIs, PET scans, etc.)*
• Planned inpatient admission*
• Clinic services
• Renal dialysis (kidney disease)*
• Durable Medical Equipment (DME)*
• Home healthcare*

*Services above marked with an asterisk require prior authorization through Ambetter from Meridian before receiving the service.

Prior Authorization for Services

Sometimes, we need to approve medical services before you receive them. This process is known as prior authorization. Prior authorization means that we have pre-approved a medical service.

To see if a service requires authorization, check with your Primary Care Provider (PCP), the ordering provider or Member Services. When we receive your prior authorization request, our nurses and doctors will review it.  We will let you and your doctor know if the service is approved or denied.

Information about the review process, including the timeframes for making a decision and notifying you and your provider of the decision, is located in the Utilization Review section of your Member Handbook.

Failure to obtain prior authorization may result in a denied claim(s). To see a full listing of procedures and services that require PRIOR AUTHORIZATION, please log in to your secure member accountExternal Link to view your Schedule of Benefits.

You can also call your PCP or Ambetter from Meridian Member Services with questions.

All out-of-network services require prior authorization, excluding emergency room (ER) services.

Ambetter from Meridian is underwritten by Meridian Health Plan of Michigan, Inc., which is a Qualified Health Plan issuer in the Michigan Health Insurance Marketplace. This is a solicitation for insurance. ©2025 Meridian Health Plan of Michigan, Inc. All rights reserved.