From CMS issuing a proposed rule to streamline the process, to a report indicating a majority of states could introduce bills this year to limit or change the process, here are nine stories about prior authorization Becker's has reported since Nov. 28:
1. AHIP President and CEO Matt Eyles spoke with Becker's about how the prior authorization process can be improved.
2. As many as 42 states could introduce bills this year to limit or change prior authorization, according to Miranda Motter, AHIP's vice president of state affairs.
3. Surgeon General Vivek Murthy, MD hosted a session with CMS Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure and other CMS officials to discuss proposed prior authorization reforms with clinicians.
4. Boise, Idaho-based St. Luke's Health System began offering a new health plan Jan. 1. St. Luke Health Plan President Matt Wolff said the plan helps patients avoid getting caught in the middle of disputes between payers and St. Luke's, primarily by eliminating the need for prior authorization.
5. The American Medical Association outlined how advocates in Michigan were able to successfully lobby state lawmakers to pass prior authorization reform legislation.
6. An AHIP survey illuminated how payers streamline prior authorizations.
7. CMS issued a proposed rule that it says will streamline the prior authorization process and estimated the efficiencies introduced in the proposal would save hospitals and physician practices more than $15 billion over a 10-year period.
8. An AHIP survey revealed the top three reasons why insurers end gold-card programs.
9. AHIP surveyed payers for their top five barriers to automated prior authorization.