Why did Aetna deny my claim as "prior authorization required"?

The insurer required pre-approval that was not obtained before the service. At Aetna the most common triggers are: Precert not filed before an elective procedure.; CPT code on the claim did not match the code on the precert.; eviCore clinical questionnaire not answered by the ordering physician..

How do I appeal a Aetna prior authorization required denial?

For eviCore-routed denials, resubmit the clinical questionnaire and request a peer-to-peer with an eviCore reviewer. For Aetna-direct denials, file for retrospective authorization with a provider attestation. Cite the Aetna Precertification Requirements list version applicable on the service date.

What is the appeal deadline for Aetna?

180 days from the date of the denial notice to file an internal appeal. Expedited appeals are decided in 72 hours.

How often are Aetna prior auth denials overturned?

Medium likelihood of overturn. Retrospective auth is discretionary; overturn is higher when the underlying clinical case is unambiguous.

What federal law backs my right to appeal a Aetna prior authorization required denial?

For employer-sponsored (ERISA) plans, 29 CFR § 2560.503-1 requires a full and fair review by a different reviewer, access to the criteria used, and a written decision. All non-grandfathered commercial plans additionally owe you internal appeal plus independent external review under 45 CFR § 147.136.

Aetna denied claim appeal

Aetna · updated for 2026 · Verified against Aetna (2026-06-16)

To appeal a Aetna denied claim you have 180 days from the date of denial to file an internal appeal. Send a written appeal that cites the Aetna clinical policy named in the denial letter, includes a letter of medical necessity, and attaches the records that meet each criterion. If urgent, request an expedited review within 72 hours.

Appeal in 4 steps

1Read the Aetna denial letter (EOB) and identify the cited medical policy.
2Request the full clinical policy bulletin from Aetna; ERISA plans must provide it free of charge.
3Gather office notes, imaging, prior therapy history, and a letter of medical necessity from your treating physician.
4Submit the appeal in writing to the address on the denial letter, by certified mail and through aetna.com if available, within 180 days.

Key facts

Internal appeal window	180 days from denial
External review window	120 days after final internal denial
Expedited appeal	Decision within 72 hours
Appeals address	Address is printed on the Explanation of Benefits and on the Aetna Member Complaint and Appeal Form (form 68192). Submit by mail, fax, or through the secure member portal.
Phone	Member Services number on the back of your ID card
Member portal	aetna.com

Aetna's published Claim Denials page sets the 180-day filing window unless the Summary Plan Description grants longer. Commercial plans typically offer two levels of internal appeal before external review.

Primary source: Aetna — official appeals pageAetna: 'You have 180 days from when you get the notice of the denied claim, unless your plan brochure (or Summary Plan Description) gives you a longer period of time.' Last verified: 2026-06-16.

Draft a Aetna appeal letter in minutes

Upload the denial letter. Get the cited policy identified, the evidence checklist, and a finished appeal letter you can sign.

Draft my appeal letter

Common Aetna denial reasons

Not medically necessary
Experimental or investigational
Prior authorization not obtained
Out of network
Service excluded from plan

Evidence checklist

✓Denial letter (EOB)
✓Member ID and claim number
✓Treating physician letter of medical necessity
✓Office notes from the last 12 months
✓Imaging or lab reports
✓Aetna clinical policy bulletin (cited in denial)
✓Prior therapy history
✓Specialty guideline citation

Drug-specific Aetna appeals

Verified prior-authorization criteria and override strategy per medication.

Aetna appeal by denial reason

Verified policy basis and override strategy for each common reason Aetna cites.

FAQ

How long do I have to appeal a Aetna denial?+

180 days from the date of the denial to file an internal appeal. Expedited (urgent) appeals must be decided within 72 hours.

Where do I send a Aetna appeal?+

Use the address on your denial letter (the EOB). Addresses vary by plan and region; the denial letter is authoritative.

Can I appeal a Aetna denial without a lawyer?+

Yes. Most internal appeals are filed by the member or the treating physician. The appeal should cite the insurer's clinical policy and include a letter of medical necessity.

What happens after the internal appeal?+

If the final internal appeal is denied, you have 120 days to request external review by an Independent Review Organization. External review is binding on the insurer.

Other insurers

Keep reading

Appeal process

Common denial reasons

Guides you may need

Not legal or medical advice. This page is a self-help resource. You make your own decisions. Strip personal identifiers (name, date of birth, address, member ID) from any document before uploading or sharing. The information here summarizes commonly-published payer policies and federal rules; confirm against your specific plan document and the current denial letter before acting.