Why do insurance companies require approval in advance of paying for certain medical treatment?  Why would my primary care physician need to provide a formal referral in order for me to visit a specialist?   Health insurance plans may include a myriad of checks and balances to ensure the medical appropriateness of treatment before paying on a claim.   While insurance companies approve the vast majority of prior authorizations they receive, do they really help to control costs?  Evidence suggests a high level of burden is placed upon healthcare providers and patients alike when referrals and prior authorizations are needed which can delay or forgo treatment altogether.  This podcast explores these questions and helps to put referrals and authorizations into perspective.   Four basic tips are offered to help you manage referrals and authorizations which can impact whether your treatment is approved and covered by your insurance plan.

Visit www.maximizehealthinsurance.com to learn more about how to increase your health insurance literacy.