Learn more about the ongoing effects of prior authorization on patients and physicians over the years. Explore relevant resources and news.
Resource | AMA
To assess the ongoing impact the prior authorization process has on patients, physicians, employers and overall health care spending, the AMA annually conducts a nationwide survey of 1,000 practicing physicians from a wide range of practice settings.
Resource | AMA
Benefit plans with excessive prior authorization requirements can block access to care that employers and their employees have already paid for through subsidies and premiums. Learn about the questions you should ask during the next benefit contracting season.
News | AMA
Melissa Garretson, MD, discusses how to talk to patients about prior authorization, why prior authorization takes so long, and how the AMA is fighting to fix prior authorization policy. AMA Chief Experience Officer Todd Unger hosts.
News | Medscape
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A 21-year-old with a rare cancer had to wait for prior authorization approval for proton therapy, and as a result, she faced several complications, needing a tracheostomy and feeding tube.
News | AJMC
While utilization management in general is a pain point for everyone, it’s a necessary evil in the United States, where we spend 18% of our gross domestic product on healthcare, explained Debra Patt, MD, MPH, MBA, vice president, policy and strategy, Texas Oncology; medical director, analytics, McKesson Specialty Health, during a session at the 2018 American Society of Clinical Oncology (ASCO) Annual Meeting in Chicago, Illinois.
News | KevinMD
Dr. Michael Kirsch recently ordered a CT scan colonography for a patient with gastrointestinal issues who refused a colonoscopy and lacked insurance. The insurance company denied the scan, and he felt the peer discussion focused more on protocols than patient care.
News | CNN
Three more states announced this week that they are opening investigations of Aetna after a former medical director for the insurer admitted under oath that he never looked at patients’ medical records when deciding whether to approve or deny care.
Colorado, Washington and Connecticut – where Aetna is headquartered – have joined California in looking into the statement, which came during a sworn deposition in a lawsuit against Aetna. California began its investigation recently after being told of the statement by CNN.
News | KevinMD
21 minutes on the phone for a pre-authorization? Watch Dr. Ryan Neuhofel try to get a CT scan “approved.” Take a deep breath, and press play.