How Prior Authorization Delays Are Hurting Your Patients (And What to Do About It)

Prior authorizations (PAs) are meant to control healthcare costs, but they often create unnecessary delays, administrative burdens, and patient frustration. For providers, navigating the PA process is a constant struggle, with ever-changing payer requirements and lengthy approval times. Patients often face delays in critical treatments, sometimes waiting weeks before getting the care they need. So, how can healthcare providers streamline this process without sacrificing care?

The PA Bottleneck: Why It’s a Growing Problem

• Time-consuming approvals → Practices spend hours on paperwork instead of patient care.

• Denied authorizations → Lead to treatment delays or out-of-pocket costs for patients.

• Constant payer rule changes → What was covered yesterday may not be today.

The burden of prior authorizations falls heavily on healthcare teams, taking up valuable time that could be spent on patient care. Providers are often stuck navigating multiple payer portals, chasing approvals, and appealing denials—all while trying to meet the needs of their patients. This administrative bottleneck not only disrupts practice workflows but can also negatively impact patient outcomes when necessary treatments are delayed.

How Cove Health Simplifies Prior Authorizations:

We handle the entire PA process from start to finish—submitting requests, tracking approvals, and appealing denials—so your team can focus on patient care. Our expertise in navigating complex payer requirements reduces wait times and improves approval rates, ensuring patients receive the care they need without unnecessary delays.

Struggling with prior authorizations? Cove Health can help—let’s connect today!