Major U.S. health insurers, including UnitedHealthcare and Kaiser Permanente, are working to improve the prior authorization process, a system that currently delays patient care. Administrative burdens lead physicians to spend an average of 12 hours weekly seeking approvals, according to the American Medical Association. A new commitment from insurers aims to standardize online submissions, reduce prior authorization requirements, and provide real-time responses to requests by 2026 and 2027. Industry leaders acknowledge the need for modernization to enhance patient and provider experiences, though the true effectiveness will depend on practical outcomes for patients.
The health care system remains fragmented and burdened by outdated manual processes, resulting in frustration for patients and providers alike, according to AHIP CEO Mike Tuffin.
While insurers are committing to streamline the prior authorization process, the true measure of success will be its impact on patient and physician experiences, as stated by Shawn Martin.
Collection
[
|
...
]