Prior authorizations: What will the prior authorization process look like in 5-10 years?

Prior authorizations are one of the biggest administrative burdens in modern health care. In theory, prior authorizations help ensure that patients receive appropriate and cost-effective care. In reality, they often create frustrating delays, add paperwork, and take valuable time away from patient care.

For doctors, the process can feel like an uphill battle. Prior authorizations require navigating complex rules that vary by insurer, submitting detailed justifications, and sometimes appealing denials—all while managing a full schedule of patient visits. A single request can take hours or even days to resolve, and studies have shown that delays caused by prior authorizations can negatively impact patient health.

With the growing role of technology in medicine, many hope that new tools—such as automation, artificial intelligence, and electronic prior authorization systems—could streamline the process. But will these solutions truly ease the burden on doctors, or will they introduce new challenges?

Medical Economics spoke with Heather Bassett, MD, chief medical officer of Xsolis about the current state of prior authorizations and whether technology can make them less of a headache for physicians and their patients. In this episode, Bassett discusses what the process might look like in 5-10 years.