From Google Cloud launching an artificial intelligence-powered claims acceleration suite to CMS issuing a final rule to streaming the Medicare Advantage prior authorization process, here are eight prior authorization updates Becker's reported since April 6:
1. American Medical Association President Jack Resneck Jr., MD, detailed in a post on the medical group's website the "Kafkaesque" prior authorization process that an unnamed insurance company allegedly put one of his patients through.
2. Eight-four percent of group practices surveyed said prior authorization requirements have increased for Medicare Advantage over the past year, while less than 1 percent said those requirements have decreased, according to a survey from the Medical Group Management Association.
3. A Montana judge temporarily halted a rule that would require prior authorizations for Medicaid-paid abortions.
4. Independence Blue Cross and Philadelphia-based Penn Medicine are piloting a program that will allow qualifying physicians to skip prior authorization approvals needed for ultrasounds, CT scans and PET scans.
5. Prior authorization is the second-most time-consuming revenue cycle task, according to a survey of health system financial leaders from Akasa.
6. UnitedHealthcare's plans to implement a gold-card program in 2024 might cut another 10 percent of its prior authorization volumes on top of a 20 percent reduction that will roll out this summer, UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson said.
7. Google Cloud launched a new artificial intelligence-powered claims acceleration suite designed to accelerate the prior authorization process.
8. CMS issued a final rule that, among other things, aims to streamline Medicare Advantage and Part D prior authorizations.