Oz launches 29-member coalition to speed medical prior authorizations

Dr. Oz unveiled a 29-member coalition of insurers, hospitals, and health-records companies to streamline prior authorization for medical procedures, aiming for faster, more transparent decisions by next January. The move expands a trend of insurer pledges to reduce administrative burden, with groups like AtlantiCare, Bon Secours Mercy Health, and Cleveland Clinic on board. Medicare’s AI-powered pre-treatment reviews have begun in some states, while critics warn about persistent paperwork and calls in Congress to curb prior authorizations for Medicare Advantage. The effort signals ongoing pressure to simplify and standardize the process across providers and payers.