Policies to reform prior authorization: a slideshow

There are policies Congress could enact to reduce prior authorization (PA) burdens and help primary care across the nation, said an expert who testified in the Senate.

On May 8, 2024, the Senate Budget Committee convened the hearing, “Reducing Paperwork, Cutting Costs: Alleviating Administrative Burdens in Health Care.”

Noah Benedict, MHL
_{© Rhode Island Primary Care Physicians Corporation}

Witnesses included Noah Benedict, MHL, president and CEO of the Rhode Island Primary Care Physicians Corp. The practice has 168 primary care providers managing the care of more than 200,000 patients in Rhode Island.

“The administrative burden imposed by payers has become a challenge for health care providers and their patients,” Benedict said. “Studies have shown that much of this burden is ineffective and, in some cases, causing harm. Patient safety and quality of life concerns must be a critical area of review within existing administrative policies.”

In his written testimony, Benedict recommended policy changes that would cut down on the administrative headaches of physicians, allowing them to dedicate more time and attention to patients. This slideshow lists his recommendations.