The American Medical Association conducted a survey of 1,000 physicians, investigating their experiences with prior authorization.
Here are seven takeaways.
1. Of those surveyed, 92 percent said prior authorization programs negatively impacted patient clinical outcomes.
2. More than 60 percent of physicians said they wait at least one business day for prior authorization decisions.
3. Thirty percent reported they wait three business days or longer for prior authorization decisions.
4. Ninety-two percent of physicians said the prior authorization process postpones patient access to necessary care.
5. Of surveyed physicians, 78 percent noted prior authorization sometimes, often or always results in patients not pursuing recommended treatment.
6. More than 80 percent of the physicians said burdens associated with prior authorization have risen in the past five years.
7. A medical practice completes an average of 29.1 prior authorization requirements per physician, weekly, translating to 14.6 processing hours.