Prior authorization delays are harming patients, DrFirst survey says

As prior authorization (PA) becomes more entrenched in U.S. health care, a growing number of patients report delays, denials and declining health while they wait.

A new survey from DrFirst highlights the human toll of the PA process, drawing on responses from 1,000 U.S. adults who've encountered medication PAs. While insurers say PA ensures appropriate and cost-effective care, patients and physicians often experience it as a bureaucratic hurdle — one that postpones treatment and undermines adherence.

In the survey, more than a third of respondents said their health worsened while waiting for PA approval, and 9% ultimately went without the medication their physician prescribed. Long waits, redundant testing and step therapy requirements added to the burden, particularly for those managing chronic or complex conditions.

At the same time, a majority of patients expressed openness to using artificial intelligence (AI) to help streamline the process — signaling a potential opportunity for automation and workflow reform. The slides above break down the key data, exploring what it means for physicians navigating today's PA landscape.