Health Insurers Move to Standardize Prior Authorization Process

Dozens of leading insurance companies announced Friday that they will adopt consistent standards for doctors submitting requests for prior approvals of common medical procedures such as CT scans and MRIs.

AHIP, the nation’s largest insurance industry trade group, said the move builds upon the industry’s multiyear commitments with the US Department of Health and Human Services to streamline and simplify prior authorization. Over 50 companies have signed onto the pledge, including industry heavyweights such as United Healthcare, Humana, Aetna, and Elevance Health.

Insurance companies historically have used different criteria to preapprove the medical procedures they decide ...