A new Biden administration rule released Wednesday aims to streamline the prior authorization process used by insurers to approve medical procedures and treatments.
Prior authorization is a common tool used by insurers but much maligned by doctors and patients, who say it’s often used to deny doctor-recommended care.
Under the final rule from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, health insurers participating in Medicare Advantage, Medicaid or the ObamaCare exchanges will need to respond to expedited prior authorization requests within 72 hours, and standard requests within seven calendar days.
The rule requires all impacted payers to include a specific reason for denying a prior authorization request. They will also be required to publicly report prior authorization metrics.
How about a similar rule that puts the provider on the hook for getting authorization for what they do?
Like I know the system is fucked, but I don’t want my doctor having me go somewhere to find out I get a $500 bill. Make them get authorization and if it fails tell me the cost before the appointment gets made.
If I have to spit in a tube again to get a $500 bill, I’ll call and threaten Natera again till they drop the bill. Bastards.
They already do for big services. Thats why its called a preauthorization. It just doesn’t work well in emergencies and they dont do it for shit like routine blood draws. Ive had them tell me I could get a CT now and hope they approve it or take my chances. There is still incentive for the provider to fight the battle because patients getting big bills often don’t pay them at all (it helps if you tell them though, they are busy and not necessarily keyed into every patients bill status).
That would slow medical care down dramatically.
But why? This should be automated based on my coverage plan.
Because it’s not an automated process to get a procedure authorized.
Make it automated.