Prior authorizations lead to serious patient adverse events, 30% of physicians say (Becker’s Hospital CFO Report)

Thirty percent of physicians said that prior authorizations have led to a serious adverse event for a patient in their care, according to research released April 7 by the American Medical Association.

The American Medical Association surveyed 1,000 practicing physicians in December. Below are seven of the survey’s notable findings:

1. Ninety-four percent of physicians said the prior authorization process delays patients’ access to necessary care. Thirty-nine percent said the prior authorization process often delays access to necessary care, and 15 percent said it always does.
   
   
2. Ninety percent of physicians said prior authorizations have a negative effect on patients’ clinical outcomes.