Prior authorizations have long been a contentious issue in the healthcare industry, imposing significant burdens on physicians, patients, and healthcare organizations. However, in 2023, there has been a growing push to lessen this burden and improve access to care by eliminating rigid prior authorization requirements. Proponents argue that this move has the potential to lower unnecessary spending, save time for patients and physicians, and enhance the overall healthcare experience.
According to a recent report by Medical Economics, 39% of physicians spent between one to nine hours on prior authorizations each week in 2022. Shockingly, 17% of physicians dedicated more than 20 hours a week to this administrative task. These numbers shed light on the immense time and effort spent by healthcare providers navigating prior authorizations, which could be better utilized in direct patient care.
Furthermore, a survey conducted by the Medical Group Management Association revealed that 97% of patients experienced delays or denials for medically necessary care due to prior authorizations. This further exemplifies the negative impact these requirements have on patients’ timely access to essential healthcare services.
To address this issue, various states and legislators have taken steps to alleviate the administrative burden of prior authorizations. Congress has urged the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to finalize a federal regulation that would revamp prior authorization requirements within Medicare Advantage, aligning with the bipartisan Improving Seniors’ Timely Access to Care Act.
In California, a bill is currently under consideration that would prohibit prior authorizations for healthcare services if the plan or insurer had already approved or would have approved 90% of prior authorization requests in the past year. This legislation would also mandate insurers to offer an electronic prior authorization process option to physicians, removing unnecessary paperwork and streamlining the process.
While eliminating prior authorization requirements may seem like a straightforward solution, a report from the American Enterprise Institute points out that these administrative costs contribute to a substantial portion of healthcare expenditures, estimated to be between 20% to 34%. This suggests that payers may continue to adhere to prior authorizations due to the potential spending reductions they offer.
Despite these challenges, some payers are taking steps to reduce prior authorization requirements. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, for example, has announced a 20% reduction in prior authorization requirements, while UnitedHealthcare has implemented a phased approach to eliminate prior authorizations by 20% across their plans. Cigna Healthcare has also made significant strides by removing nearly 25% of medical services from prior authorization requirements since 2020.
In conclusion, while the debate surrounding prior authorizations continues, it is clear that efforts are underway to streamline the process and improve healthcare access. By reducing administrative burdens and providing timely access to care, the healthcare industry can enhance patient outcomes and optimize the valuable time of physicians.