Enhancements to PDN Prior Approval and Claims Processing – Effective July 13, 2025

NCTracks will implement system enhancements to improve the processing of Private Duty Nursing (PDN) Prior Approvals (PAs) and claims.

This bulletin applies to NC Medicaid Direct.

These updates will support providers delivering in-home services during school hours due to school closures or illness.

Key Changes Effective July 13, 2025

Provider Portal Updates:

  • The PA entry detail page will now support requests for missed school care. Providers should select “MISSED SCH” as the place of service to indicate school-hour coverage or anticipated school-hour coverage.
    • The existing “SCHOOL” option will be removed.
    • The entry field label has been updated from “Hours Per Week” to “Requested PDN Hours”.
    • A new on-screen message provides guidance for accurately entering missed school hours and selecting the correct place of service.

Reminder: Missed school visits include sick days, adverse weather days and scheduled school closings. Providers may request up to 60 hours per calendar year as a separate detail line on an initial, continuation, reauthorization or shared care request.

Requests for hours beyond the 60-hour allowance must be submitted separately under the Increase of Hours service type.

Prior Authorization (PA) Letters:

PA letters will now reflect “Total Hours” for missed school services versus “Hours per Week”.

Contact

If you have questions, please contact the NCTracks Call Center at 1-800-688-6696.

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