UnitedHealthcare trims prior authorizations for most pediatric care

UnitedHealthcare will drop prior authorization for about two-thirds of pediatric services for members under 18, including many diagnostic tests, routine surgeries and subspecialty care, with authorization waivers for select procedures at leading pediatric hospitals. The move is meant to cut delays and paperwork; the insurer is conducting a data-driven review and aims to have over half of authorizations standardized by year’s end, with more than 70% incorporated into the new process, per CEO Tim Noel.