Beginning April 6, UnitedHealthcare and UnitedHealthcare West Commercial and Medicare Plans will require prior authorization for most hysterectomy procedures, according to the bulletin. Vaginal hysterectomies done on an outpatient basis do not need prior authorization.
The insurer said it is making the change to line up with the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists’ recommendations and provide better outcomes for members.
According to the bulletin, the ACOG has said that, based on evidence, vaginal hysterectomy is generally linked with better outcomes and fewer complications than laparoscopic or abdominal hysterectomies.
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