AMA, others ask CMS to comprehensively address prior authorization

CHICAGO — Physicians across the country and across specialties are urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS) to reduce the harms and burdens of prior authorization by incorporating Consensus Principles into its policies and encouraging other payers to do so as well. The Consensus Principles were developed by national provider associations and insurer trade organizations.

The letter, led by the American Medical Association (AMA) and signed by 104 other medical societies, thanks CMS for tackling prior authorization through its Patients Over Paperwork initiative. CMS Administrator Seema Verma has acknowledged publicly that prior authorization interferes with and delays treatment, and contributes to physician burnout.