Ending prior authorizations in health insurance is essential to improve patient care, reduce administrative burdens, and foster trust in the healthcare system. Prior authorizations, originally intended to control costs and ensure medical necessity, have devolved into a system that delays care and burdens both patients and providers. These delays can exacerbate health conditions, leading to more complex and costly interventions down the line. For example, waiting for authorization on a critical medication or procedure often results in unnecessary suffering and may compromise patient outcomes, particularly for those managing chronic or life-threatening conditions.
Furthermore, the administrative strain on healthcare providers diverts time and resources away from direct patient care. Providers spend hours navigating complex insurance protocols, which detracts from their ability to focus on what matters most: treating patients. This process also creates a barrier between patients and providers, as doctors are forced to justify necessary treatments to insurance companies rather than prioritize patient needs.
The mental and financial strain on patients is another key issue. Many patients feel helpless and frustrated when denied or delayed access to treatments they urgently need, which can erode trust in the healthcare system. Ending prior authorizations would empower patients to make timely, effective healthcare decisions with their providers, without unnecessary interference. In a system aiming to prioritize patient well-being, removing these barriers is a critical step toward a more compassionate, efficient, and effective healthcare landscape.
Statistics from the American Medical Association (AMA) highlight the detrimental effects of prior authorizations:
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Patient Care Delays: A 2023 AMA survey revealed that 94% of physicians reported prior authorization delays in necessary care, with 41% indicating these delays occurred often and 14% stating they happened always.
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Adverse Patient Outcomes: The same survey found that 33% of physicians observed prior authorization leading to serious adverse events, including hospitalization (25%), life-threatening events or interventions to prevent permanent impairment (19%), and disability or death (9%).
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Administrative Burden: Physicians complete an average of 45 prior authorizations per week, consuming nearly two business days (14 hours) of physician and staff time. To manage this workload, 35% of physicians employ staff solely for prior authorization tasks.
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Increased Healthcare Utilization: Approximately 87% of physicians reported that prior authorization requirements lead to higher overall utilization of healthcare resources, resulting in unnecessary waste rather than cost savings.
These statistics underscore the need to eliminate prior authorizations to improve patient outcomes, reduce unnecessary healthcare utilization, and alleviate the administrative burdens on healthcare providers.
Put an end to insurance companies playing doctor