As ophthalmologists, we see firsthand how delays in care negatively affect sufferers — particularly seniors. Too usually, our sufferers with severe eye situations, akin to glaucoma, macular degeneration and diabetic retinopathy, are pressured to attend for insurance coverage approvals earlier than they will entry sight-saving therapies.
A nationwide American Medical Affiliation survey discovered that 82% of physicians report the prior authorization course of led to remedy abandonment and 29% of physicians report it led to a severe hostile occasion for a affected person of their care. Delaying and denying care can imply irreversible imaginative and prescient loss.
Fortunately, some lawmakers in Washington have stepped as much as put sufferers first. I commend U.S. Rep. Suzan DelBene for being among the many members of Congress reintroducing the bipartisan Bettering Seniors’ Well timed Entry to Care Act, H.R. 3514. If handed, it should assist be sure that Medicare Benefit beneficiaries obtain the therapies they want with out pointless delays. By streamlining the prior authorization course of, this invoice would assist cut back administrative burden on physicians and permit suppliers to concentrate on what issues most: sufferers.
I urge Congress to help and swiftly cross this laws. Our seniors deserve well timed, high-quality care — not bureaucratic purple tape that places their well being in danger.
Okay. David Epley, M.D., Kirkland
