Having problems with preauthorizations?

Frustrated and exasperated trying to obtain precert’s from insurance companies?  According to a recent survey by the AMA you’re probably not alone.  The national survey was conducted to examine the burden on physicians and patients by precertification requirements by insurance companies.

• 46 percent of physicians experience a one in five rejection rate for preauthorization requests for tests and procedures.
• 57 percent of physicians experience a one in five rejection rate for requests for drugs.
• 63 percent of physicians typically wait several days to receive preauthorization from an insurer for tests and procedures; 13 percent wait more than a week.
• 69 percent of physicians wait several days to receive preauthorization for drugs; 10 percent wait more than a week.
• 64 to 67 percent find it difficult to determine which test, procedures or drugs require preauthorization by health insurers.

All of this lead to an estimated 23 to 31 billion dollars a year extra cost.  An average of 20 hours a week is alloted by practices for obtaining certifications.

How much time does your office spend on “precerts”?  Does your office have any tips or tricks to streamline the process?