Here are two upcoming care updates from UnitedHealthcare for orthopedic and spine surgeons to know:
1. Effective Sept. 1, UnitedHealthcare will begin requiring prior authorization for physical therapy, occupational therapy, speech therapy and Medicare-covered chiropractic services delivered in multidisciplinary offices and outpatient hospital settings.
2. On Oct. 1, UnitedHealthcare will launch a national gold-card program for providers that consistently adhere to evidence-based guidelines to bypass prior authorizations for some medical services. UnitedHealthcare plans to release a list of gold card-eligible services Sept. 1 and begin the program Oct. 1. The program applies to commercial, individual exchange, Medicare Advantage and community plans.