UnitedHealthcare to drop prior authorization for broad care categories starting Oct 1

UnitedHealthcare said it will eliminate prior authorization requirements for a broad mix of services across commercial plans, Medicare Advantage and ACA plans starting Oct 1, aiming to reduce paperwork and speed care. The change covers cardiology, genetic and laboratory testing, chiropractic, physical/occupational/speech therapy, orthopedic and musculoskeletal procedures, and more, with a target to remove prior authorization for about 30% of healthcare services by year-end. The rollout includes a rural waiver program beginning Nov 1 and speeding payments by up to 50% for about 1,400 rural and Critical Access Hospitals in Q3.