UnitedHealth Group intends to eliminate the need for doctors to seek approvals for various procedures, tests, and services, reducing a process that has traditionally been unpopular with both physicians and patients, Anna Wilde Mathews reported on May 5 for The Wall Street Journal.

“UnitedHealth, parent of the biggest U.S. health insurer, said the changes will slash the number of reviews by nearly a third starting later this year,” Wilde Mathews wrote. “Doctors have long complained about the paperwork they must complete to get insurers’ permission for care, which can lead to delays and denials.”

Prior authorization is required for only 2 percent of UnitedHealthcare medical services, the company stated. Of the authorizations submitted, around 92 percent are approved within less than 24 hours, on average. Within Medicare Advantage, UnitedHealthcare has fewer prior authorization requirements than any other insurer, according to UnitedHealth.

By the end of 2026, UnitedHealthcare will eliminate an additional 30 percent of remaining prior authorizations, including select outpatient surgeries, some diagnostic tests like echocardiograms, and certain outpatient therapies and chiropractic care, UnitedHealth said.

"Eliminating ​these requirements is one more way we are ​working to make it easier for patients to get the care ‌they ⁠need when they need it and ensure doctors can spend more time with their patients," said Tim Noel, CEO of UnitedHealthcare, in a statement.