The American College of Radiology (ACR) has written letters to five national commercial insurance companies requesting the suspension of prior authorization requirements for imaging services during the crisis and for three months afterward.
The ACR said it's concerned about the backlog of non-COVID-19 imaging services that have been canceled or deferred during the public health emergency. A moratorium on prior authorization would significantly help radiology practices and their referring providers best serve their patients and assist in ensuring an efficient recovery for the accumulated backlog of imaging exams, according to the college.
The letters were sent to Aetna, Anthem, Cigna, Health Care Service, and United Healthcare.
