Did you follow the Simplify Prior Authorization (SPA) initiative in the first half of 2021 after the release of the white paper on prior authorization (PA) in November 2020? The white paper included a summary of the opportunities and challenges for PA stakeholders and included recommendations to improve the PA process and the patient experience. You may have already seen some of the SPA external communications that have been part of this initiative, but there has been more happening than just talk, and there is plenty more activity to come this fall.
To add to the white paper findings we’ve produced three blog articles on PA from the perspective of insurers and pharmacy benefit managers, the prescribing physicians, and of course on patients. We’ve also recorded podcasts with those familiar with the PA process, two of which we recorded in June and in July. In June we talked with Dr. Mark Vincent, medical oncologist at the London Regional Cancer centre, and in July, with Dr. Imtiaz Khan, rheumatologist in Mississauga and Chair of the Ontario Rheumatologists Association Private Payers Committee. We discussed the experiences and challenges they, their patients, and colleagues face in navigating the current PA process, and they provided insights on how to improve it.
Since the white paper’s release, we’ve been working with our sponsors, a new steering committee and working groups to help create a better understanding of the challenges of PA and work towards a better process for patients and other PA stakeholders. We haven’t finished yet. In the coming months you’ll see articles from us in Benefits and Pensions Monitor and Insights magazines, more blogs and podcasts. Plus, we’ll keep you informed as we develop new tools and solutions to improve the PA claims process and deliver new resources to PA stakeholders.
Simplify Prior Authorization is a collaborative initiative that welcomes additional sponsors and those with expertise who are willing to work together to support and contribute to improvements in the prior authorization process and environment.
You can direct questions, comments and inquiries to info@simplifypriorauth.ca.
In this blog, we focus on the important role of Drug Review Committees in maintaining a responsive and sustainable PA process through a regular review of existing medications as well as reviewing new medications that may be subject to prior authorization.
The interest in prior authorization is growing, which is driving more interest in reforming current practices and policies to become more efficient and drive down administration costs and reduce the time-consuming claims process.
Navigate the prior authorization (PA) process in Canada can be time consuming and confusing. Inefficiencies in the system create real challenges for all stakeholders—physicians, pharmacists, insurers, advisors, and most importantly, patients.
The Simplify Prior Authorization initiative is an advocate for education about prior authorization (PA) and improvement in current prior authorization practices and processes. If your organization is interested in finding out more, getting involved, or in sponsorship of this important initiative, please contact us via the link below.