One of the most commonly reported frustrations expressed by physicians today is dealing with prior authorization. Recent national research suggests that prior authorization requirements frequently lead to delayed patient care and can have a negative impact on the clinical outcomes for patients. Now, we also know that physicians in our state share those sentiments.

The Kansas Medical Society (KMS) conducted a survey of its members seeking to identify the impact prior authorization has on physicians and patient care. The results were clear:

• 97 percent of respondents reported that prior authorization delays access to necessary care
• 91 percent of respondents indicate prior authorization can have a negative impact on patient clinical outcomes
• 95 percent describe the burden associated with prior authorization as high or extremely high
• 96 percent of respondents indicated that the prior authorization has increased over the last five years

The survey results mirror those of a national survey which was conducted by the American Medical Association. KMS replicated the AMA’s survey so we might have state-specific data to help inform our advocacy on behalf of Kansas physicians.

KMS has begun meeting with payers to help them understand the extent of this administrative burden. We will also be sharing with them a set of principles adopted by the KMS Board of Trustees which can help inform positive changes to the prior authorization system.

The Kansas Medical Society is a member-service organization dedicated to improving the environment in which Kansas physicians practice medicine, and to protecting the health of Kansas’ citizens.