1. I went to a pain clinic for steroid injection in my back but the doctor wanted an MRI first. Insurance says no MRI since there was one done about 2 years prior. Doctor filed appeal but still no and then he wouldn’t do injection because there was no MRI.
2. My husband has several bad discs and severe spinal compression. Doctor said insurance company won’t authorize until he gets physical therapy and a steroid injection, although the doctor said it won’t help. 5 months later we’re waiting to see the doctor to get papers filed for prior authorization to get a surgery, which everyone knew was needed originally. In the meantime, he can’t work and we are paying COBRA insurance.

– Cindy J., State
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Have you ever gone to the pharmacy to fill a prescription only to be told that your insurance company requires approval before they'll cover your treatment? Have you ever waited for days, weeks or months for a test or medical procedure to be scheduled because you needed authorization from an insurer? Or are you a physician frustrated with the administrative headaches and their impact on your patients?

Please tell us know how prior authorization has impacted you. We are looking for stories from patients and physicians to highlight and draw attention to this issue that is impacting the health of so many Americans.

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