4 Ways to Minimize Prior Authorization Wait Times

ByWilfred
Prior Authorization

Prior authorization is important but time-consuming. There are no ways to avoid it. However, the frustrating delays associated with securing PAs can be reduced drastically. 

Healthcare providers can use various strategies to minimize preauthorization wait times. The basic idea behind all the different ways to achieve this is the same. It is the optimization of insurance verification & prior auth operations. 

So, if you are frustrated by the delays, administrative burden, and damages associated with pre-authorization, try out these four ways to reduce PA wait times. 

Streamline Your Prior Authorization Workflow 

Healthcare organizations follow various processes to get prior authorization from payers. Some rely on faxes and couriers to submit PA requests, while others either submit them electronically or use both faxes and payer portals. 

Here are a few ways you can try out to reduce delays caused by prior authorization if you are not using them already: 

1) Submit PA requests using payers’ portals 

Submitting PA requests using payer portals is confusing. But once your staff is trained to navigate all the payers’ portals for PA submissions, the task becomes simple. Also, submitting PA requests electronically can reduce wait times and submission costs. 

2) Eliminate paperwork as much as possible 

Use your Electronic Health Record system extensively. Complete form fill-outs, charting, and documentation tasks electronically using your EHR. This will not only help organize all documents but also reduce the chances of errors. 

3) Ensure your team is experienced in prior auth operations 

Payers’ policies and guidelines are the most confusing part of the pre-authorization process. Most of the errors are a result of the lack of knowledge about these requirements. But an experienced PA team can reduce these errors and also shorten processing times. 

4) Implement technology solutions 

There are numerous claim scrubbing and documentation tools available these days. Although expensive, these tools can cut down human errors that go unnoticed during PA submissions. Checking a prior auth request for these errors can improve the FPR as well. 

Reap the Benefits of Having a Streamlined Prior Authorization Workflow 

PA requirements are complex. Often small and medium-sized providers find it very difficult to maintain efficiency and contain costs. 

Their lack of efficiency in PA operations is also understandable. Healthcare organizations specialize in healthcare delivery, not healthcare administrative tasks. To avoid these admin hassles and be able to focus solely on patient care, providers can also outsource all of their admin burden to prior authorization services that are experienced in their specialty. 

For any queries on prior authorization best practices, please contact Sunknowledge Services Inc., a HIPAA-compliant RCM organization serving US providers & payers since 2007.  

Dorian Wilfred boasts over a decade of expertise as a medical transcriptionist, specializing in healthcare medical billing, revenue cycle management, and claim administration. With a keen eye for detail, he excels in collecting funds from insurance companies in the USA, ensuring accuracy and compliance. Dorian's proficiency has significantly contributed to streamlined communication among healthcare providers and optimized financial operations. His track record underscores a commitment to precision, reducing errors, and maximizing revenue streams. In the dynamic realm of medical billing, Dorian stands out as a trusted professional with a proven ability to enhance operational efficiency.