08/08/2023

UnitedHealthcare Cutting Back on Prior Authorizations

Starting next month, UnitedHealthcare says it will move forward with plans to drop prior authorization requirements for a range of procedures, including dozens of radiology services and genetic tests, among others.

Why it matters: UnitedHealth is among the health insurance giants who have announced plans to cut back on prior authorization as federal regulators consider tougher curbs on the practice.

Catch up quick: Prior authorization is often criticized by patients and doctors, who complain they are an administrative burden or impede necessary care. Insurers, meanwhile, say prior authorization provides important guardrails against improper health care utilization, helping to keep costs down.

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