Pre-authorization, prior authorization or precertification is a tool insurance companies use to limit the amount of services they provide for their customers. In essence, it’s a simple way to reduce costs by delaying or not approving planned, non-emergency (elective) surgery for patients who need it. The inefficiency and lack of transparency associated with prior authorization cost physician practices time and money. Furthermore, the lengthy complex processes can also have negative consequences for patient outcomes when treatment is delayed. Today’s post originally appeared in The Federalist. In the article, Richard Menger, MD, MPA, a neurosurgery resident, discusses prior authorization and highlights a study from the Journal of Neurosurgery which shows the impact of insurance precertification on neurosurgery practice and health care delivery. To read the full post, click here.
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