WISeR + Prior Authorization – What Orthopedics & Radiology Leaders Need to Know

Receive our WISeR Wisdom: What Orthopedics & Radiology Leaders Need to Know White Paper

In January 2026, the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) will implement a new prior authorization initiative called WISeR (Waiver for Integrated Services and Requirements). The program will launch in six states, Texas, Oklahoma, Arizona, Washington, Ohio, and New Jersey; with the potential for broader national expansion in the future.

WISeR is not just another regulatory update, it’s a paradigm shift in how outpatient procedures for Medicare patients are authorized and reimbursed. High-volume services, including many common orthopedic and radiology interventions, will soon require mandatory, pre-service approval.

This white paper outlines:

• The objectives and scope of WISeR
• The implications for orthopedic and radiology practices
• The risks of continuing with manual prior authorization processes
• How ImagineSoftware helps future-proof your workflows with scalable, intelligent automation