---
title: "NHCX Cancel Pre-authorization"
description: "How to cancel a previously submitted pre-authorization and the reason codes you can choose from."
date: 2026-08-21
lastModified: 2026-08-21
category: "nhcx"
author: "Dr. Umesh Bilagi"
beta: true
---

## Overview

If a pre-authorization is no longer needed — the treatment plan changed, the patient requested it, or the request was made in error — you can send a **pre-authorization cancellation** to the payer. This submits a cancellation task referencing the original claim and intimation numbers.

## Where to find it

Open the patient's NHCX page, find the workflow with the pre-authorization to cancel, and choose **Cancel Pre-auth**.

## Form fields

- **Claim Number** — the claim/pre-auth number being cancelled. This is pre-filled from the workflow and is not editable.
- **Intimation Number** — the intimation/reference number for the pre-authorization.
- **Reason Code** — why the cancellation is requested. Choose from:
  - Treatment Plan Changed
  - Patient Request
  - Financial Constraints
  - Alternative Treatment
  - Duplicate Claim
  - Administrative Error
  - Other
- **Description** — a free-text explanation for the payer.

## Common Issues

- **Claim Number is disabled** — this is intentional; the number is taken from the workflow you launched the cancellation from. If it is wrong, go back and choose the correct workflow.

## FAQ

**Q: Can I cancel a claim that is already paid?**
A: Cancellation is for pre-authorizations. If a claim has already been paid, use the reprocess flow instead. See [Reprocess Claim](/docs/nhcx-reprocess).

**Q: Is a reason required?**
A: Yes. A reason code and description are both required.