HospitalOperations

What Happens When Prior Authorization Is Delayed in the ER?

In emergency medicine, time is everything. Patients arrive needing immediate, sometimes life-saving care. But increasingly, providers must navigate a critical barrier: prior authorization (PA). When insurers require approval before specific tests, medications, or treatments can be administered, the clock doesn’t stop—and the consequences of waiting can be serious. Delayed or denied prior authorization can jeopardize patient care, add stress to overburdened emergency staff, and result in financial and operational strain on healthcare systems. Let’s explore how these barriers impact emergency