If you’ve ever been involved in the healthcare industry, you know the frustration of dealing with the prior authorization process. While designed to control costs and ensure appropriate treatments, it often leads to inefficiencies and prolonged treatment delays. This is where outsourcing prior authorizations to Medical Virtual Assistants (MVAs) can make a significant impact.
The administrative burden of prior authorizations is a significant pain point for healthcare providers. According to the Medical Group Management Association, a staggering 88% of physicians report that the administrative burdens associated with prior authorization are high or extremely high.
On average, physicians complete 45 prior authorizations per week, spending roughly two business days on this task alone. This is valuable time that could be redirected towards patient care and other critical functions within the practice.
Outsourcing prior authorizations to Medical Virtual Assistants offers numerous benefits:
Time Savings: MVAs can handle the bulk of prior authorization tasks, freeing up physicians and in-office staff to focus on patient care. This can lead to improved patient outcomes and higher satisfaction rates.
Cost Efficiency: Employing MVAs can be more affordable than hiring additional in-office staff. This cost savings can be redirected to other areas of the practice, enhancing overall efficiency.
Improved Accuracy: Trained MVAs are skilled in managing administrative tasks with precision, reducing the risk of errors and ensuring that authorizations are completed correctly and on time.
Enhanced Patient Care: With MVAs handling administrative burdens, in-office staff can dedicate more time to direct patient care, improving the overall patient experience.
While efforts are underway at both federal and state levels to streamline the prior authorization process, the integration of automation and outsourcing prior authorizations to MVAs represents a proactive solution available right now. Legislative efforts, such as the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) new rules for Medicare Advantage plans and the proposed GOLD CARD Act, aim to simplify requirements and enhance care continuity. State-level initiatives also focus on transparency and efficiency improvements.
However, the power of automation combined with the expertise of MVAs can revolutionize the prior authorization process today. By adopting these solutions, healthcare providers can achieve:
Healthcare providers are at a pivotal moment. By staying informed about industry trends and embracing solutions like outsourcing prior authorizations to Medical Virtual Assistants, practices can navigate the complexities of prior authorizations more effectively. The future of healthcare is here, and with MVAs, it promises to be simpler, more efficient, and more patient-centered.
Global Medical Virtual Assistants is dedicated to helping your practice thrive by reducing administrative burdens and allowing your team to focus on what they do best – providing excellent patient care.
Contact us today to learn how outsourcing prior authorizations can support your practice in managing administrative tasks more effectively.