CVS Caremark is making big strides in simplifying the prior authorization process for medications. They’re using a smart technology called Touchless Prior Authorization to speed things up for both providers and patients without sacrificing quality.
So, how does it work? This system automatically gathers the clinical information needed for approvals directly from a patient’s electronic health record. Once everything matches, CVS Caremark can approve the medication immediately—sometimes in as little as 22 seconds.
This approach is especially helpful for specialty medications, which patients use to manage serious conditions. For example, drugs like Vivitrol, used for substance use disorder, and Epidiolex, for epilepsy, often have complex approval requirements. The new technology aims to make accessing these critical medications easier.
Dr. Michelle Gourdine, Chief Medical Officer at CVS Caremark, emphasizes the importance of this innovation. She notes that a seamless process reduces the administrative workload on healthcare providers, allowing them to focus more on patient care.
Last year, CVS Caremark improved their prior authorization processing time, reducing it to an average of 34 minutes from a previous 2-3 hours. Impressively, nearly 4 million prior authorizations were approved automatically. This efficiency not only helps healthcare providers but also ensures that patients receive their medications without unnecessary delays.
Faster approvals can change lives. A speedy prior authorization experience means patients can start their treatments sooner, which is especially vital for those with chronic issues.
CVS Health considers this innovation part of a broader effort to enhance the healthcare system. By cutting through red tape, they aim to improve health outcomes and reduce costs for everyone involved.
In today’s healthcare landscape, leveraging technology is crucial. According to a recent survey by the American Medical Association, 94% of physicians say that prior authorization creates delays in patient care, with 74% reporting that it contributes to treatment abandonment. This illustrates just how important CVS Caremark’s efforts are in tackling these issues.
By adopting smarter technologies, CVS Caremark is not just transforming their processes; they’re helping to build a smoother healthcare experience for patients everywhere. For further insight into how CVS Health functions, you can visit their official site for more information here.
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