UnitedHealth to cut prior authorizations by one-third using AI to speed patient care access

UnitedHealth Group announced plans to reduce prior authorization requirements for many tests and procedures by nearly one-third later this year, using AI to streamline approvals. This move aims to ease patient access to care and reduce delays caused by lengthy paperwork, a common complaint among doctors and patients. The company will standardize requirements across Medicare, Medicaid, and employer plans and remove authorizations for services almost always approved. This initiative follows industry efforts to reform prior authorizations amid criticism and is part of a broader push to use AI for improving healthcare administration without denying claims.