Pre-authorisation Survey

Part of the problem of giving patients a fee estimate early on is that the insurer may then step in with adverse comments at pre-authorisation. We would like to hear from all consultants and indeed GPs of difficulties with pre-authorisation. The LCA position on pre-authorisation has been made clear.

Pre-authorisation is perfectly legitimate if it is restricted to the patient obtaining confirmation from the insurance company that they are covered for a particular procedure. Unfortunately, pre-authorisation has been used to direct patients to alternative consultants or hospitals.

The LCA have many examples where pre-authorisation by the insurance company has been inappropriate. Further evidence on this has been obtained by several GP surveys. These survey were commissioned by the Hospital Management Trust and show that a substantial number of GP's have had interference with their referrals by the insurers.

Please e-mail or send your comments to our office about pre-authorisation issues...CLICK HERE

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