UnitedHealthcare says it will significantly reduce prior authorization requirements for pediatric services. The insurer plans to remove about two-thirds of authorization needs for plan members under age 18 by the end of the year, according to company statements reported by multiple outlets. The change is intended to lessen the use of a process that requires providers to obtain approval before certain services are covered or performed. Physicians and other critics have argued that prior authorization can add barriers to timely access to pediatric care. UnitedHealthcare’s announcement comes as the company continues scaling back authorization procedures across parts of its business. The reports describe the policy as a broad reduction in requirements for children rather than a repeal of all prior approvals. The exact services affected and any remaining authorization categories are not detailed in the excerpts provided. Both sources characterize the move as a major cut to prior authorization for pediatric patients, while focusing on UnitedHealthcare’s stated timeline and the expected impact on authorization requirements for members under 18.
UnitedHealthcare cuts most prior authorization for pediatric care
UnitedHealthcare says it will significantly reduce prior authorization requirements for pediatric services. The insurer plans to remove about two-thirds of authorization needs for plan members under a...
- UnitedHealthcare plans to remove about two-thirds of prior authorization requirements for members under age 18.
- The changes are scheduled to be completed by the end of the year.
- UnitedHealthcare is scaling back prior authorization as part of its broader utilization-management approach.
- Some physicians have said prior authorization can delay or complicate timely pediatric care.
- The reports describe the initiative as a major reduction, not a complete elimination, of pediatric prior approvals.
Insurance giant UnitedHealthcare said it will drastically cut down its prior authorization requirements for pediatric care, as the company further scales back a process that physicians say adds an unnecessary barrier to timely and necessary medical care. UnitedHealthcare said it is removing two-thirds of authorization requirements for members under age 18 by the end of the year. The company said it...
2 months agoUnitedHealthcare, the nation’s largest health insurer, is “removing two-thirds of authorization requirements” for health plan members under age 18 by the end of the year.
2 months ago
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