In a controlled test of 12 AI models across 33 physician-written clinical cases, a clearly labeled pharmaceutical ad raised the share of responses choosing the advertised drug from 35% to 47.6%.
Blog|Videos|May 21, 2026
How to fight AI-driven prior authorization denials
Author(s)Sarah Matt, M.D., MBA
Fact checked by: Todd Shryock, AC Baltz
Whether you are thinking about getting an AI-powered scribing tool or already using one, you need to ask these questions
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Prior authorization has become one of the most time-consuming and frustrating administrative burdens facing physicians today. Designed originally as a cost-control mechanism, the process often delays care for patients who need it urgently. Physicians and their staff can spend hours each week completing authorization requests, tracking approvals, and appealing denials, pulling focus away from patient care. Studies have shown that prior auth delays can lead to treatment abandonment, disease progression and in some cases, serious patient harm.
In this episode of Vital Signs with Dr. Sarah Matt, she discusses the developing AI arms race in prior authorization denials — and what physicians can do about it.
Matt is an editorial advisory board member for Medical Economics and the author of
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