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How can ePA help your practice escape paper fax workflows?

Prior authorization (PA) has long been viewed as a necessary safeguard in modern healthcare ensuring that treatments meet payer standards for medical necessity before being approved. However, for many providers, the PA process has become a significant administrative burden that delays care, disrupts workflows, and drives up operational costs. From lengthy phone calls and fax submissions to payer-specific red tape, clinicians and administrative staff are overwhelmed by a task that should ideally protect both patients and payers.

With 91% of providers reporting delays in care due to prior authorization and billions lost annually from denied or mishandled claims, it’s clear that traditional methods are unsustainable. The real question isn’t whether to comply with PA requirements it’s how to do it efficiently, consistently, and without compromising patient care.

Industry Insight

Prior authorization (PA), also known as pre-certification, is a cost-containment mechanism that requires providers to obtain payer approval before delivering certain medical services. Though intended to ensure medical necessity and control healthcare costs, the process has become a significant barrier to timely care delivery.

According to the American Medical Association:

• 91% of providers report care delays due to prior authorization.

• Providers spend over 14 hours per physician per week managing PAs.

• Denied or delayed claims due to PA errors cost healthcare organizations billions annually.

• Nearly 33% of providers report patients abandoning treatment due to PA issues.

The Staffingly Advantage: A Strategic Shift in Prior Authorization

Staffingly reimagines the PA process not as a manual, reactive burden, but as a high-efficiency, tech-enabled function. Through dedicated teams, integrated workflows, and AI-powered automation, Staffingly helps providers reduce denials, accelerate care, and cut administrative waste.

1. Dedicated Prior Authorization Specialists

Staffingly assigns experienced virtual PA professionals who manage authorizations full-time. They:

• Understand payer-specific rules.

• Minimize documentation errors.

• Reduce avoidable denials.

2. Seamless Real-Time Workflow Integration

Staffingly integrates directly with your existing EMR and billing platforms:

• Tasks update in real time.

• Alerts notify teams of pending or expiring authorizations.

• No need to learn new software.

3. Automated Pre-Screening Tools

Automation ensures that PA submissions are complete from the outset:

• Pre-checks detect missing documents or incorrect codes.

• Smart rules flag payer-specific criteria early.

• Fewer rejections and rework.

4. Proactive Follow-Up

Staffingly doesn’t wait. They act:

• Teams follow up daily with payers.

• They expedite processing and push for resolutions.

• Care isn’t delayed due to inaction.

5. Appeals and Denial Management

When denials occur, Staffingly responds swiftly:

• Teams handle documentation, resubmissions, and payer appeals.

• Appeals are managed efficiently to reduce treatment delays.

6. Custom Reporting and Optimization

Detailed analytics track PA trends:

• Providers gain visibility into denial reasons.

• Insights drive workflow and compliance improvements.

• Continuous feedback enables PA strategy optimization.

Cost-Saving Benefits

Staffingly delivers measurable business outcomes:

• Up to 70% reduction in administrative staffing costs.

• Faster approvals, improving cash flow and patient throughput.

• Lower denial rates, cutting down on lost revenue.

• Reduced clinician burnout by minimizing paperwork distractions.

Automating the PA Process with AI and ePA

While manual prior authorization typically involves paper forms, fax machines, and phone calls—with wait times from three to ten days—Staffingly leverages Electronic Prior Authorization (ePA) and AI-enabled automation to streamline approvals and improve patient outcomes.

What is ePA?

ePA allows providers to submit authorization requests directly through their EHR or practice management systems. It enables:

• Auto-transmission of clinical and patient data.

• Intelligent question sets tailored to each payer.

• Drastic reduction in manual entry and errors.

Impact on Workflow

Data from Surescripts and AHIP highlights:

• Over 2 days reduction in wait time per authorization.

• 10 minutes saved per request on average.

• 69% faster decision-making time with ePA.

• 60% of approvals completed in under two hours with AI assistance.

AI-Driven Automation

Artificial intelligence supports the entire authorization process:

• Triage engines evaluate request complexity and eligibility.

• Automation engines read clinical notes, map codes, and enforce payer rules.

• AI suggests alternate treatments and generates responses if denials occur.

Real-World Results

Healthcare providers using ePA and AI tools have reported:

• Completing 10 ePAs in the time it takes for 2 manual ones (Sentara Medical Group).

• Up to 45 minutes saved per medication request (Advocate Aurora Health).

• 6% increase in medication pickups due to faster approval.

What Did We Learn?

Prior authorization doesn’t have to slow you down. With Staffingly, it becomes a powerful advantage—cutting costs, accelerating care, and improving patient outcomes. Through expert staffing, advanced automation, and full ePA integration, Staffingly transforms prior authorization from a burden into a strategic strength. Healthcare organizations ready to streamline operations, enhance compliance, and unlock real cost savings should consider one clear path forward: modernize your prior authorization with Staffingly.

What People Are Asking?

Q: Who manages the prior authorizations at Staffingly?
A: Trained virtual prior authorization specialists handle the entire process efficiently.

Q: How does Staffingly integrate with our existing workflow?
A: Staffingly works directly within your current EMR and billing systems for seamless task execution.

Q: How are errors and missing information prevented in submissions?
A: Automated pre-screening tools flag missing documents and payer-specific requirements upfront.

Q: What happens after a prior authorization is submitted?
A: Staffingly follows up daily with payers to track status, resolve issues, and avoid delays.

Q: Can Staffingly assist with denied requests or appeals?
A: Yes, they manage the appeals process, gather documentation, and resubmit quickly.

Disclaimer

For informational purposes only; not applicable to specific situations.

For tailored support and professional services,

Please contact Staffingly, Inc. at (800) 489-5877

Email : support@staffingly.com.

About This Blog : This Blog is brought to you by Staffingly, Inc., a trusted name in healthcare outsourcing. The team of skilled healthcare specialists and content creators is dedicated to improving the quality and efficiency of healthcare services. The team passionate about sharing knowledge through insightful articles, blogs, and other educational resources.