(Reuters) – Cigna will roll out measures to simplify the process for physicians to submit claims and prior authorization requests, the U.S. health insurer said on Monday.
The killing of Brian Thompson, the head of UnitedHealth’s insurance unit, has sparked a conversation on social media about frustrations with navigating the complex U.S. health insurance system, particularly regarding medical care denials or requests being denied.
One of the most common reasons for a delayed prior authorization decision is incomplete information in the initial submission, Cigna’s health benefits unit said.
The company will expand the digital communication options for physicians, including through its provider portal or directly through the electronic medical record, which offers an easier way to submit all the needed information the first time.
UnitedHealth said last month it would work with policymakers to reduce the frequency of prior authorization approvals required before a patient can access medical treatment in its Medicare business for people age 65 and older or with disabilities.
(Reporting by Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank Dhaniwala and Sriraj Kalluvila)
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