Prior Authorization A Moving Burden Target For Already Overwhelmed Physicians |
Posted: April 10, 2018 |
Particularly the case with primary care physicians, securing prior authorization seems to be an uphill task for the already taxed physicians. It is a critical problem that increases administrative hassles
Rising prior authorization wait times While it is true that the primary purpose of prior authorization is to create an environment so that less pricey prescription process can be avoided. Patients should be receiving the benefits. Instead, we find delays with prescription abandonment and medical procedure that has them bear the brunt of it. The challenges with prior authorization for a practice are many with countless hours being spent rather than investing it in patient consultations. To improve patient access and engagement, it is important to implement a more patient centric model that helps in reaching the expectations. You cannot address access and engagement without understanding human motivation. Addressing motivation must be fundamental to any solution. With healthcare shifting to a more patient-centered model, consumers are becoming more savvy and engaged. With this engagement come higher expectations; satisfaction and continued engagement only come when interactions bring value to both parties. A look at the real time challenges with daily practice management Based on a web based survey of only 1000 physicians, this is just an average. Almost 75 percent claimed that handling all those requests translates into a high burden for the physicians. For just completing prior authorization requirements, each week an average of 16.4 hours are spent each week, to get the medicines to the patients, the services and procedure that they need. On an annual basis, that amounts to nearly 853 hours consumed by the prior authorization tasks! The burden of prior authorization is so great that almost one third of the physicians have staffs that work solely on it! Almost 37 times in a week! Only, if you are a physician recently surveyed by the AMA! 37 may be the number of prior authorization requests that you and your administrative staffs complete each week. It is quite remarkable amidst many other stats that clearly suggest the overburdening nature of the prior authorization process. Ultimately, prior authorization was supposed to be shield for the patient with drug abuse and malpractices with medical procedure. However, the number of prescription derails; cancellation of procedures takes a huge toll on a patient that is looking for prompt treatment. As a practice it is imperative for you to set the right foundation, lay down the right checks and balances that betters your prior authorization demands in the best possible manner. To better your reimbursements in the long run, you have to set the benchmark with stand alone prior authorization support that improves your reimbursements in best proportions.
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