UnitedHealthcare supports effort to standardize prior authorization rules

UnitedHealth (UNH)care announced more than half of its prior authorization volume will be included in an industrywide effort to standardize submission requirements for electronic prior authorization, and that number will advance to more than 70% by the end of 2026. This step is the next phase of the company’s ongoing efforts to modernize and simplify prior authorization for care providers and help patients more easily and quickly access safe, high-quality, evidence-based care, all while preserving important clinical safeguards. This new UnitedHealthcare initiative reflects growing industry alignment around a standardized approach to electronic prior authorization submissions, shaped in large part by UnitedHealthcare’s partnership and leadership with fellow health plans. The new standardized documentation process will apply across UnitedHealthcare’s commercial, Medicare Advantage and Medicaid offerings. The company will be working aggressively to add more services, as well as further reduce prior authorization requirements and volumes over the next several months. “Today’s announcement is another step in our work to modernize health care, making prior authorization quicker, simpler and more efficient,” said Tim Noel, CEO, UnitedHealthcare. “These changes help care providers and patients save time and money and set the stage for a more seamless electronic experience, and our work will continue as we pursue a modern, touchless authorization process.”