The state’s medical association and largest health insurer this week announced improvements to the prior authorization process needed before doctors can perform services or prescribe treatments.

The Medical Association of the State of Alabama and Blue Cross and Blue Shield of Alabama have been working to improve the process and make it more transparent, they said in a joint press release.

“Our goal is to make it easier for doctors to care for patients without unnecessary barriers,” said Dr. Mark LeQuire, president of the medical association. “These changes are a big step forward for timely care, especially for patients with chronic conditions.”

The organizations’ key agreements include:

Denial decisions will not be made by artificial intelligence. The insurer said decisions have and wi

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