Provider Updates for September 2026

Posted Aug 29, 2026

Learn more about key updates providers should know.

Each month, Healthfirst shares key updates to help you stay informed, prepared, and supported. Below you’ll find important changes and opportunities for the upcoming month. We encourage you to review each section carefully and explore the links provided for full details.

 
Reimbursement Policy Changes

Review this reimbursement policy to understand how they may impact claims submission and

Policy Name Description of Update Policy Link
Additional Office and Outpatient Services Billed with Evaluation and Management (E/M) Update includes complexity add-on codes, preventive and behavioral counseling, medical nutrition therapy, prolonged services, screening services, and vision services. View
Provider Manual Updates

Staying current with updates made to the provider manual helps ensure compliance and alignment with Healthfirst requirements.

Section Description of Update
Section 9.1
Behavioral Health Services Description of the Network
Renamed Outpatient with Opioid Treatment Programs (OTP) - formerly known as Comprehensive Outpatient Programs (COPs) - to align with New York State’s Office of Addiction Services and Supports (OASAS) naming conventions.
  • This terminology change creates clearer, more descriptive, and less stigmatizing language that better reflects the services being provided.
  • The change is intended to more accurately describe these programs and does not represent a change in the scope of services.
Provider Education Events
Date/Time Topic Registration Link
Sep 10, 2026, 9:00am OIG Readiness Series: ICD-10 2027 Coding Updates Register Here
Sep 17, 2026, 12:00pm Healthfirst Provider Town Hall Register Here
Sep 24, 2026, 12:00pm Healthfirst Provider Town Hall Register Here
Prior Authorization Updates

There are no prior authorization requirements with an effective date of September 1, 2026.

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