WASHINGTON— College of American Pathologists (CAP) President Donald S. Karcher, MD, FCAP, said pathologists agree work is needed to ensure timely access to medical care following an announcement by the Trump Administration and insurers regarding health insurance policy changes related to prior authorization. The following is his statement:
“Insurers must reduce the delays to patient care and the growing administrative workload on physicians by targeting policies like prior authorization. We welcome the opportunity for continued dialogue to ensure that patient care is not delayed or denied. Physicians and patients must be part of the solution.
Prior authorization is just one tactic insurance companies have used over the years to interfere with patient care. Last year, the CAP published a report analyzing how health plans narrow networks, reduce coverage and reimbursement, and undermine physicians’ ability to make medical decisions in their patients’ best interests.
We must do more to ensure physicians can deliver comprehensive, high-quality care to patients in their communities.”
Read more:
Examining the State of Health Care’s Private Payers and the Adverse Impact of Insurance Interference
Talk to an expert: CAP President Dr. Donald S. Karcher is available to discuss Medicare Advantage, prior authorization, and other private payer issues. For interviews, contact media@cap.org.
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About the College of American Pathologists
As the world’s largest organization of board-certified pathologists and leading provider of laboratory accreditation and proficiency testing programs, the College of American Pathologists (CAP) serves patients, pathologists, and the public by fostering and advocating excellence in the practice of pathology and laboratory medicine worldwide. For more information, visit the CAP Newsroom, CAP.org and yourpathologist.org to watch pathologists at work and see the stories of the patients who trust them with their care.