Patients and Physicians Speak Out

See how patients and health care professionals around the country are negatively impacted by prior authorization burdens.

Audience

Watch

– Alëna Balasanova, MD, Nebraska
– Linda H., Maryland
– Barbara McAneny, MD, New Mexico
– Daniel P. Edney, MD, Mississippi
– Frank Dowling, MD, New York
– Cindy Firkins-Smith, MD, Minnesota
– Matthew Grierson, MD, Washington
– Thomas Eppes, Jr., MD, Virginia
– Kathryn J., Connecticut
– Frank Dowling, MD, New York
– Hugh Taylor, MD, Massachusetts
– Mary Campagnolo, MD, New Jersey
– Benjamin Galper, MD, Maryland
– Virginia Hall, MD, Pennsylvania
– Candace M., Georgia
– Jack Resneck, Jr., MD, California

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Why would they [deny] this medication [that] is old school and inexpensive?!

– @DiPaulo99
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I just experienced my [health plan] denying me a prescription non-steroidal anti-inflammatory that I have been prescribed in the recent past, i.e., two years! Why would they do such a thing? This medication is old school and inexpensive?!

– @DiPaulo99, State

Could not get a BiPAP machine without approval just last month.

– Louise D., Ohio
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Could not get a BiPAP machine without approval just last month.

– Louise D., Ohio

I was denied prior auth for a urological med that we knew worked for me.

– Elle H., Kansas
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I was denied prior auth for a urological med that we knew worked for me. [My insurer] would not pay until I had tried a different drug, and it turned out I had an allergy to it. I lost my insurance before I could appeal.

– Elle H., Kansas

5 months later waiting to see doctor to get papers filed for prior authorization to get a surgery, which everyone knew was needed originally.

– Cindy J.
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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

It took three days to get an $8 prescription of generic Celebrex.

– @droll3
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It took three days to get an $8 prescription of generic Celebrex [anti-inflammatory drug], that I needed at home immediately after knee replacement surgery. My insurer demanded three different authorizations from my surgeon because it wasn’t in their formulary. The opiate was immediately dispensed. I was mad!

– @droll3, State

I need prior auth for my continuous glucose monitor every time I get sensors for it- this device alone has saved my life more times than I can count, yet the insurer thinks it isn’t a necessity!

– @KronikerD
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I need prior auth for my continuous glucose monitor every time I get sensors for it- this device alone has saved my life more times than I can count, yet the insurer thinks it isn’t a necessity!

– @KronikerD, State
Share your story

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.

Upload requirements
Share your story

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.

Upload requirements