[ NEWS - FEATURE ]
AMA Sends Message
TO INSURERS
Insurer prior-authorization rules have become one of the largest pain points for both physicians and their patients .
This recurring issue was tackled at the recently concluded American Medical Association ’ s ( AMA ) House of Delegates annual meeting in Chicago .
What ’ s required , said the AMA , is greater insurer accountability and transparency , specifically , “ greater oversight of health insurers ’ use of prior authorization controls on patient access to care .”
The AMA ’ s House of Delegates is its legislative and policy-making body that includes physicians , residents , and medical students from every state and medical specialty . Delegates work together to form a national physician consensus on current issues .
The AMA will promote greater legal accountability of health insurers in situations where prior authorization hurts patients . This policy is in response to the prior authorization policies of health plans that “ conflict with evidence-based clinical practices , jeopardize quality care , and harm patients .”
The AMA relied on the knowledge and experience of its policy-making body as well as that of outside sources when developing its policies . Notably it cited physician
ARTICLE BY KIM DELMONICO
44 - RYORTHO . COM