Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama, Medical Association announce patient-centered enhancements to prior authorization process

On Tuesday, the Medical Association of the State of Alabama and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama (BCBSAL) announced progress in improving the “prior authorization” process, they jointly reported.

Prior authorization is a tool insurance companies use to confirm that certain treatments, medications, or tests are clinically appropriate and covered under a patient’s health plan.

BCBSAL is a major health insurer in Alabama and sets the prior-authorization rules that many physicians must follow before certain tests, treatments, or prescriptions are covered.

The Medical Association represents Alabama physicians and has pushed to reduce administrative hurdles that can delay care.

Because most Alabama practices treat Blue Cross members, the two organizations have been meeting to simplify h