Prior auth’s toll on prescription fill rates

Prior authorization has become one of the most frustrating administrative burdens in modern medicine, creating delays in treatment, adding paperwork for physicians and staff, and often standing in the way of timely patient care. What was originally intended as a cost-control measure has evolved into a widespread source of inefficiency, forcing doctors to spend valuable time navigating insurer requirements instead of focusing on their patients.

In recent years, the growing strain caused by prior authorization has drawn increased attention from regulators and policy makers. The U.S/ Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) has introduced a new rule aimed at improving the process for prescribing drugs. This reform is designed to reduce delays and ease the burden on physician practices and patients, but questions remain about how much meaningful change it will bring.

Medical Economics spoke with Colin Banas, M.D., chief medical officer of DrFirst, about medication adherence, prior authorization barriers and the solution proposed by CMS.