The Simplify Prior Authorization (SPA) initiative recently hosted its first webinar in 2023 for group benefits stakeholders on new prior authorization (PA) resources and solutions. Interest was high, with the largest registration numbers since the initiative began.
The new Simplify Prior Authorization resources for PA stakeholders was launched, OkRx provided insights into first generation electronic prior authorization (ePA), and industry leaders formed a panel to explore the future of prior authorization. If you missed it, you can view the full webinar here.
Attendee polling taken at the beginning of the webinar told us our agenda and our activities over the last year are on track:
Over half registered for the webinar because they wanted to understand more about the current PA process, were interested in opportunities to improve the current PA process, or they wanted to hear opinions of experts in the industry about PA and its future.
Denise Balch, Project Manager for the SPA initiative introduced the new Simplify Prior Authorization website. The new site is a resource for all stakeholders in the PA process, including patients. In addition to advocacy and information on PA, the new site includes stakeholder specific education and guidance on PA, plus information on ePA, and a resources section with links to insurer PA pages, patient groups, patient support programs, specialty pharmacies, and more. In 2023 plans are underway for the development of best practices standards for PA, and to conduct an annual survey of PA stakeholders.
Ramy El-Kholi, Pharm. D., Chief Commercial Officer at OkRx addressed the challenges and solutions in the PA and ePA process. Did you know that ‘flattening’ of pdfs impedes the digital transfer of information or that the majority of online PA claim forms fail to meet Canadian accessibility standards? No surprise then that the Canadian market is preparing for ePA. Attendees saw a demonstration of the progress that has been made in an ePA solution, including completing claims information securely online and capabilities for insurers to receive claims digitally for their review.
During our panel discussion we were fortunate enough to be joined by industry experts that represent the diversity in the PA process.
Panel discussions focussed on the opportunity and potential for adoption of ePA in the private sector, which although now available, will take time to adopt. National standards and benchmarking, voluntary or possibly legislated, can improve transparency in the current private payer PA process which will be beneficial for stakeholders, particularly patients.
Here are some more details:
Attendee evaluations are always informative, and when we ask for the top three takeaways we are sometimes surprised, but not this time. Here is a summary of the top three takeaways from the webinar’s attendee evaluations:
The SPA initiative and its partners are advocating for improvements in the PA process and the greater access to information on PA for all stakeholders. We believe this can happen with the adoption of an agnostic and seamless, electronic process for completion and submission of PA claims as a first generation ePA solution, and through stakeholder resources like the Simplify Prior Authorization website to improve the transparency of the process.
There is more work to do before to improve PA and create a better understanding of the process. You and your organization are invited to the table to work collaboratively towards constructive change.
For more information on Simplify Prior Authorization, to get involved, or to support this initiative you can contact Denise Balch at info@simplifypriorauth.ca or 905 220 4260.
On April 19th and May 3rd, 2022, the Simplify Prior Authorization (SPA) initiative hosted webinars for patient groups and advisors/plan sponsors on the Challenges and New Solutions in the Private Prior Authorization Landscape.
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Since the release of the Simplify Prior Authorization white paper, we’ve been working with our sponsors, a new steering committee and working groups to help create a better understanding of the challenges of prior authorization and work towards a better process for patients and other stakeholders.
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.
