The federal government wants to change the way health insurers use prior authorization the requirement that patients get permission before undergoing treatment. Designed to prevent doctors from deploying expensive, ineffectual procedures, prior authorization has become a confusing maze that denies or delays care, burdens physicians with paperwork, and perpetuates racial disparities. New rules may not be enough to solve the problems.
Few things about the American health care system infuriate patients and doctors more than prior authorization, a common tool whose use by insurers has exploded in recent years.
Some insurance companies are reducing the number of pre-authorizations required before patients can get testing, and waiting can be lead to worse outcomes.
Designed to prevent doctors from deploying expensive, ineffectual procedures, preauthorization has morphed into a monster that denies or delays care, burdens physicians with paperwork and perpetuates racial disparities.