Prior authorization is a big part of private practice physicians’ jobs, but it’s among the least popular parts of healthcare for providers of all kinds. The good news: There are signs that reform is gaining momentum.
A 2021 AMA survey found 91 percent of physicians said prior authorization can lead to negative clinical outcomes, while 82 percent said it can lead to patients abandoning a course of treatment. Some physicians have seen the ugly side of it firsthand: 34 percent reported that prior authorization has led to a serious adverse event for a patient in their care.
Making matters worse, the workload from prior authorizations fills nearly two full business days per week for the average physician, according to the report.