Physician groups voice strong support for prior authorization reforms

Physician groups are lining up to support reforms to the prior authorization (PA) process for medical treatments.

The American Medical Association (AMA) and 118 organizations joined on a letter outlining PA recommendations, sent to Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) Administrator Chiquita Brooks-LaSure. CMS is considering rule changes to the prior authorization process and elements of Medicare Advantage (MA) plans.

“Waiting on a health plan to authorize necessary medical treatment is too often a hazard to patient health,” AMA President Jack Resneck Jr., MD, said in a news release. “To protect patient-centered care for the 28 million older American that rely on Medicare Advantage, physicians urge CMS...