What is a treatment authorization request (TAR)?

Some medical, pharmacy, or dental services require a treatment authorization request (TAR) beforehand. Ask your provider whether a service will need a TAR and how long the authorization process could take. (If you have a TAR number from your provider, you can find the status on the state website). This can save you time and frustration in the future. Your provider can use a TAR form to request authorization and receive payment for services like physical therapy, DME, and speech therapy. If your service provider accepts straight Medi-Cal, they should already know when and how to submit a TAR. Although a provider will typically request a TAR before providing the service, there are some exceptions, such as for acute hospital stays. In these cases, a TAR will need to be submitted and approved retroactively.

For more information, check out our article Making the Most of Medi-Cal.