Why won t my doctor do a pre-authorization?
Asked by: Jonathan Nienow I | Last update: July 27, 2025Score: 4.6/5 (65 votes)
Why do some doctors not do prior authorizations?
Up to 92% of doctors say that prior authorization harms patient access to care, which ultimately damages clinical quality outcomes. While the process brings a certain accountability and cost containment; several hours are lost in productivity.
Why would a pre-authorization be denied?
In a recent survey, about 13% of enrollees in the Medicare Advantage plan stated that they received a pre-authorization denial for a service that should have been approved. These erroneous denials may have resulted from incomplete patient data, procedural errors, and other mistakes in the process.
Who is responsible for obtaining preauthorization?
How do I get a prior authorization? If your health care provider is in-network, they will start the prior authorization process. If you don't use a health care provider in your plan's network, then you are responsible for obtaining the prior authorization.
Why is it so hard to get a prior authorization?
Insurance companies can deny a request for prior approval for reasons such as: The doctor or pharmacist didn't complete the necessary steps. Filling the wrong paperwork or missing information such as service code or date of birth. The physician's office neglected to contact the insurance company due to a lack of time.
Interview with the Expert: Prior Authorizations
How do I fight a denied prior authorization?
Once you have a reason for the denial, it's time to partner with your physician's office. Give them the reason for the denial and see if there is any additional information they can provide to support the prior authorization request. Get copies of your consult notes, test results and any additional information needed.
How do I speed up a prior authorization prescription?
- Create a Master List of Medications That Require Prior Authorization.
- Document Denial Reasons Thoroughly.
- Stay Informed of Industry Standards & Payer Requirements.
- Assign a Dedicated Team for Managing Prior Authorizations for Medication.
Can a doctor's office charge for prior authorization?
Physicians and other healthcare providers do not usually charge for prior authorizations. Even if they wanted to, most contracts between providers and payers forbid such practices. However, there are some instances — such as when a patient is out of network — that it may be appropriate to charge for a prior auth.
Can I call my insurance about a prior authorization?
The patient or their representative can contact their insurance company and provide the relevant information to start the Prior Authorization process. It's best to confirm with the healthcare provider if they have the information and are willing to submit the request.
What triggers a prior authorization?
Prior authorization is a way for insurance companies to review the medical service, procedure, item, or medication requested and make sure that it's necessary for your care. Examples of services or procedures for which prior authorization may be needed include: admission to a hospital or skilled nursing facility.
How can I make my prior authorization easier?
- Create a master list of procedures that require authorizations.
- Document denial reasons.
- Sign up for payor newsletters.
- Stay informed of changing industry standards.
- Designate prior authorization responsibilities to the same staff member(s).
Is it legal for a doctor to withhold medication?
In cases where a doctor refuses or fails to prescribe necessary medication, they may be held liable for medical negligence if it can be proven that their actions deviated from accepted medical standards.
Which health insurance company denies the most claims?
According to the analysis, AvMed and UnitedHealthcare tied for the highest denial rate, with both companies denying about a third of in-network claims for plans sold on the Marketplace in 2023, respectively.
Why does prior authorization get denied?
Prior authorization denials create just one more barrier between patients and the medication they have been prescribed. Simple errors such as leaving fields blank, misspellings or failure to follow payer requirements are common reasons for denials that can be reduced with electronic prior authorization (ePA) solutions.
Can I get my medication without prior authorization?
Prior authorization requires your doctor or provider to obtain approval from your health plan before providing health care services or prescribing prescription drugs. Without prior authorization, your health plan may not pay for your treatment or medication. (Emergency care doesn't need prior authorization.)
Who handles submitting a request for prior authorization?
Under prior authorization, the provider or supplier submits the prior authorization request and receives the decision before services are rendered.
What happens if prior authorization is not obtained?
Prior authorization is also known as precertification, predetermination, and pre-approval. Without prior approval, your health insurance plan may not pay for your treatment (even if it would otherwise be covered by the plan), leaving you responsible for the full bill.
How to resolve an authorization denial?
If the insurance company indicates a billing error or missing information, patients can work with their physician to review the paperwork and fix any errors that caused the denial. They can also ask the physician to provide backup evidence or notes that could help prove that the prescription is medically necessary.
How long does pre-authorization take?
How long does the prior authorization process take? It typically takes 24 to 72 hours.
How to get preauthorization from insurance?
Assuming you're using a medical provider who participates in your health plan's network, the medical provider's office will make the prior authorization request and work with your insurer to get approval, including handling a possible need to appeal a denial.
Why is my prior authorization taking so long?
But even when you're confident that you need to get pre-authorization, the manual process for your practice staff takes time. And because the forms and details regularly change as well, this often leads to delays. You might be able to obtain prior authorization within 24 hours.
Can doctors see what other doctors have prescribed you?
as long as they are both actively working on a patient, then they should be able to access records. Yes, in many cases, doctors can see what another doctor has prescribed—thanks to advancements in healthcare technology and the need for better-coordinated patient care.
How do I avoid prior authorization denial?
Understand Insurance Requirements Early On
One of the most common reasons for prior authorization denials is misunderstanding the insurance company's specific requirements. Each insurer has its own set of rules and criteria for approving certain treatments, medications, and procedures.
Can doctors look up your insurance?
Can doctors look up your insurance? Yes, doctors can look up your insurance, but it's best to touch base with your insurance company for questions regarding your specific coverage. Your doctor won't have the level of knowledge for your plan or network that your insurance company will.