Here’s what we can do to minimize the daily hassle of prior authorizations

Much to do in limited time
Time isn’t elastic; setting priorities is vital. Most physicians would, I think, agree that their priorities are:
• giving patients adequate time at office visits
• returning calls from patients with urgent messages
• communicating with professional col­leagues about shared patients
• returning calls from pharmacists who have questions about prescriptions
• researching solutions to clinical problems
• keeping up with the literature.

Physicians must decide where complet­ing PAs—intrusive, time-consuming, and a threat to morale—fits in that list. Should PAs be allowed to supplant, or delay, the completion of other vital, positive clinical priorities?

Until we are able to introduce improve­ments that speed up the PA process, patients will have the supply of their med­ications disrupted and physicians will pay in time, money, and morale.

Disclosure
Dr. Mode reports no financial relationship with any company whose products are mentioned in this article or with manufacturers of competing products.