Introduction
Prior authorization eats up nearly two full business days each week in medical practices. Physicians handle 39-45 requests weekly, costing $68,000 per doctor annually. The system approves most requests eventually, yet contributes to massive burnout and care delays. This paper breaks down the real costs and shows what’s driving reform across ten states.
Key Takeaways
- Practices handle 39-45 PA requests per physician each week
- Annual cost hits $68,000 per doctor in staff time alone
- Medicare Advantage requests jumped 35% in just four years
- Payers approve 71-93% of requests after all that work
- Nearly all physicians report care delays and burnout
- Oncology sees the worst harm: disease progression, death