UHC to eliminate most prior authorizations for rural providers starting this week

UnitedHealthcare announced it will eliminate prior authorizations for most services provided to its Medicare Advantage and commercial plan members by rural providers. The change, part of a 'rural health financial stability program,' takes effect immediately for participating providers. UHC cited reducing administrative burden for small clinics as the goal. Rural practices with UHC contracts should confirm their eligibility and review the updated authorization list through the UHC provider portal to adjust their front-office workflows.