Insurers’ efforts to curb wasteful spending are driving doctors nuts
Prior authorization—a process where insurers require approval before certain treatments or medications—continues to frustrate both doctors and patients. A young child at Nationwide Children’s Hospital, for example, experienced unnecessary delays in receiving life-saving medication because the insurance company refused immediate approval, highlighting the serious consequences of this bureaucratic hurdle. According to a survey by the American Medical Association, many physicians report that these delays have caused significant health issues for patients, from hospitalization to disability. While insurers argue that prior authorization helps control costs and ensure appropriate care, the process often leads to delays and increased administrative burdens. With the vast majority of requests eventually being approved, many doctors feel that the system does more to delay care and waste time than save money. As frustrations grow, both physicians and legislators are calling for reforms to reduce these burdens and improve patient care.
