Michigan doctors say they are spending too much time writing prescriptions for their patients.
‘Prior authorization’ was intended to reduce the cost to insurance companies by having patients use generic drugs. But doctors say the process is bogged down in Michigan by 150 insurance companies each requiring doctors to fill out different forms.
Stephen Newman is the president of the Michigan State Medical Society. He says doctors often spend half their time with a patient trying to wade through the ‘prior authorization’ process.
"That’s a waste of time, both for the patient as well as the physician," says Newman, "And it leads to inefficiencies…that leads to emergency room visits that are unnecessary.
The State Senate Insurance committee today approved legislation to streamline ‘prior authorization’ by requiring all insurance companies use the same form.
Insurance industry representatives at the committee meeting were divided on the legislation.
