Prior authorization has become the bane of modern medical practice, with requirements increasing 278% over the past decade. What started as a cost-control measure has evolved into a bureaucratic nightmare that delays patient care and drains practice resources.
The key to survival is systematic process management: maintain current payer requirement databases, implement tracking systems for auth status, build relationships with payer representatives, and always have backup plans for urgent cases. Don't fight the system—learn to navigate it efficiently.
Reality check: Prior auth isn't going away, so build processes that minimize its impact on your practice flow. Invest in staff training, use technology to automate tracking, and consider outsourcing complex auth requirements to specialists who know the payer-specific nuances.