UnitedHealthcare’s prior authorization gold card program has seen a more than 40% increase in the number of qualifying provider groups in 2025, the company shared with Becker’s.
Launched in October 2024, the program reduces prior authorization requirements in favor of advance notification for provider groups that consistently adhere to evidence-based care guidelines.
Providers can lose gold-card status because of patient safety issues, failure to cooperate with quality and patient safety activities, failure to make timely responses to requests for information, or because they no longer meet program requirements. UnitedHealthcare conducts annual evaluations for gold card qualification, with determinations effective on Oct. 1 every year.
On Sept. 1, provider groups could begin viewing their program status in the UnitedHealthcare Provider Portal. Starting Oct. 1, additional groups will be eligible.
