The May 16 poll included applicable responses from 1,041 medical groups. Most respondents (86 percent) said payer pre-authorization requirements increased in the past year, while only 3 percent said they decreased. Eleven percent of respondents said payer pre-authorization requirements stayed the same.
Medical groups attributed the increase in payer pre-authorization requirements to more procedures requiring authorization than in previous years, along with the number of medication prescriptions also requiring authorization, MGMA said in a news release. MGMA said some respondents also cited the use of third-party companies for authorizations, which they contend adds time to the process.
Results from the latest MGMA Stat poll from May are similar to a March poll. In the March poll, 82 percent of respondents said pre-authorization requirements from health plans increased, while 9 percent said they did not see an increase at that time, according to MGMA.
More articles on healthcare finance:
Texas Children’s records $36.2M operating loss on insurance arm
5 healthcare CFOs in the headlines
Health system CEO pulls out $6M check to pay debts during budget hearing
At the Becker's 11th Annual IT + Revenue Cycle Conference: The Future of AI & Digital Health, taking place September 14–17 in Chicago, healthcare executives and digital leaders from across the country will come together to explore how AI, interoperability, cybersecurity, and revenue cycle innovation are transforming care delivery, strengthening financial performance, and driving the next era of digital health. Apply for complimentary registration now.
