Submit Prior Authorization Requests Online through Availity Essentials™

Effective May 15, 2025, the Online Authorization Tool will no longer be available on Healthfirst’s legacy provider portal (https://hfproviderportal.org). To access the Online Authorization tool, providers must log in through Availity Essentials.

What is Healthfirst’s Online Authorization Tool?

Healthfirst’s Online Authorization Tool is a fast and efficient solution for submitting, tracking, and reviewing authorization requests. Additionally, providers can use the Online Authorization tool to look up procedure code requirements and submit support documentation as needed.

How can I access the Online Authorization Tool in Availity Essentials?

1. Log into your Availity Essentials Account: If you do not have an Availity Essentials account, go to the Getting Started page to set up an account
2. Access the Online Authorization Tool: Once logged into Availity Essentials, navigate to Patient Registration > Authorization and Referrals and select the Authorization Request button
3. Complete the form: Select Healthfirst (New York) as the payer and you will be automatically redirected to Healthfirst’s Online Authorization Tool.  Note: The transaction type defaults to ‘inpatient’ on this page. If the transaction type should be changed to outpatient, you can make this update once you’re in the Healthfirst Online Authorization Tool.

If you run into any issues accessing the Online Authorization Tool via Availity Essentials, clear the cache/cookies from your web browser, close it completely, and then try again

More Information

• Online Authorization Tool Guide
• Latest Availity Essentials News for Healthfirst

Questions?

If you have any questions, please contact your Network Account Manager, or call Provider Services at 1-888-801-1660, Monday to Friday, 8:30am-5:30pm.