The Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services Launches New Initiative on Prior Authorization

WASHINGTON – Blue Cross Blue Shield Association (BCBSA) Senior Vice President of External Affairs David Merritt released the following statement in response to the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) announcement of a new initiative to accelerate adoption of electronic prior authorization solutions across the healthcare system:

“Behind every prior authorization request is a family seeking care. That’s why Blue Cross and Blue Shield companies are taking action to improve the process, modernizing prior authorization through real-time technology that helps patients get care quickly. By partnering with CMS, health care providers, electronic medical record companies and other technology leaders, we can eliminate faxes and phone calls and get families the answers they need faster.

“We’re already making significant progress on our commitments to reduce the frequency of prior authorization, make communications clearer, and extend approvals to when coverage changes. We thank CMS for its leadership and partnership to bring the key players together to make healthcare work better for patients.”