HIPAA compliant email combines speed, accessibility, accountability, and security, making it a reliable option for sending prior authorization requests.
What are prior authorizations?
Prior authorization is an insurance practice where healthcare providers need to gain approval from an insurer before performing certain procedures. The process is intended to control costs to what is medically necessary, but has its downsides. Between the time it takes to receive responses, medical red tape can often inhibit timely treatment.
An AMA article about improving authorizations on a state level provided the following quote from Richard Anderson, MD, “Anytime you can take a burden and decrease that burden, you then allow more time. By taking away some of that burden in prior authorization, physicians can spend more time with their patients. And what it's also going to do, it's also going to help speed up our process of making our patients healthier sooner by decreasing that time.”
The challenges with sending prior authorizations through other communication methods
Faxing
A widely used method of communication, aptly named in a Vox.com article as, “the cockroach of American medicine”. The same article goes on to provide that a private firm they interviewed estimated that 75% of all their medical communications are done through fax which can be said for many practices around the US. Despite its popularity, faxing is prone to security risks with sensitive patient data contained within prior authorization requests left open to being misdirected or unattended.
Physical mail
Authorizations sent through physical mail are prone to slower receipt due to postal delays, loss, or damage to the paperwork. Mail processing also requires administrative time for preparation, tracking, and follow-up, which places a burden on both staff and patients. For urgent treatment, the delay could have avoidable consequences.
The solution: HIPAA compliant email
The issue with fax and physical mail often centers around wait times. Email allows for the instantaneous transmission of requests, reducing the consequences of using antiquated methods of communication. Through quick access providers and insurers can also allow quick replies and updates within one traceable thread.
HIPAA compliant email offers security by encrypting the data sent to avoid unauthorized access. Platforms like Paubox offer an easily accessible and affordable email solution for healthcare practices of all sizes.
FAQs
What is authorization?
Authorization is formal permission given by a patient allowing healthcare providers to share or access specific health information.
How does consent differ at a state level?
Consent laws vary by state meaning each state has its own rules on when and how healthcare providers need a patient's agreement for treatment or sharing information.
What is the difference between consent and authorization?
Consent is the patient's general permission, while authorization is more specific and legally required permission.
Kirsten Peremore
