Prior authorization rule will bring change, but doesn’t solve major problems

When the federal government released its new final rule to streamline the process of getting approvals from insurers for medical treatments, healthcare groups generally offered strong support.

After all, hospitals, physicians and medical groups have lambasted the process of securing prior authorization from payers for treatments and procedures. They argue that they regularly encounter lengthy battles with insurers that delay patient care and lead to worse outcomes, Health systems and providers say the pre-approval process adds to their costs and is a leading source of burnout.