UnitedHealthcare to Remove Prior Authorization Requirements for Nearly Two-Thirds of Services

What’s happening

UnitedHealthcare announced it will eliminate prior authorization requirements for nearly two-thirds of medical services that previously required insurer approval before treatment.

Prior authorization has long been criticized by doctors and patients for delaying care.

What’s changing / Business impact

Doctors may spend less time dealing with paperwork, and patients could receive certain treatments faster. The move may also increase pressure on competing insurers to simplify their own approval processes.

Why this matters

Many patients have experienced delays because insurers required approval before procedures, tests, or treatments could proceed.