5 Ways To Drive Intelligence Into the Prior Authorization Process

It’s time to stop thinking about prior authorizations as a transaction. Rather, PA is the start of a care episode that should be a smooth, well-coordinated journey for patients, their providers and their health plan. The burden of prior authorizations (PA) has been a topic of discussion for quite some time due to concerns that the current process burdens providers and slows down care delivery. Providers continue to express their frustration. According to an American Medical Association’s provider survey, 93% reported care delays, 82% said that patients abandoned a course of treatment, and more than a third reported adverse clinical outcomes, due to PA inefficiencies. Moreover, physicians and their staff spend an average of two business days each week completing PAs. The federal government continues to take notice as well.