Why do We Need to Support Electronic Prior Authorization?

There has been a growing discussion over embracing prior Electronic authorization. Several studies suggest that it can significantly reduce the meantime in issuing a PA request to the decision by 69%. In addition, nearly 71% of providers that have adopted ePA systems realized the faster time to patient care.

Prior authorization implies that an individual must seek his/her insurer’s approval for the required medical services or prescription drugs. The initiative established more than 50 years ago intended initially to curb the cost problems of the healthcare system. However, it had an opposite impact than what it was supposed to have. PA authorization often takes hours or even days, delaying the treatment. A study suggests that 30% of physicians report PA-led adversities in patient care delivery.

Today, many physicians, as well as patients, see PA to be a threat rather than a promise to aid the healthcare system. They believe that PA reflects more harm than good as it compromises health outcomes. Automating the PA process seems like an excellent opportunity to overcome all the challenges proposed by the traditional PA system. Electronic prior authorization can facilitate speed up the care process.

This can be achieved by accelerating the pace and improving the informed care decision-making. ePA can also help establish hassle-free administration. By automating the traditional manual process, Electronic PA effectively reduces the chances for errors, thereby saving staff time. It is particularly useful for providers as direct connectivity to payers provides them with complete information of a patient’s benefits.