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Prior Authorization Survey for MSSNY Members

Prior authorizations frequently impose overwhelming burdens that can cause unnecessary delays in needed care for patients. Delay in authorization of prescriptions, tests or procedures can cause needless anxiety for patients already stressed by uncertainty regarding their condition, particularly those with chronic conditions who have complex medical needs, and their health depends on following strict treatment plans.
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MSSNY is advocating for legislation to address issues related to prior authorization and needs your input. Please take a moment to complete the following survey to help us gauge the impact that prior authorizations are having on patients and physician practices in New York State.
Physician Experience With Prior Authorization
1.Please provide your best estimate of the number of prior authorizations for prescriptions and/or medical services completed by you and/or your staff for your patients in the last week. *Estimate between 0-500.
2.Of all the prior authorizations you and your staff completed in the last week, please share your best estimate of the number of hours spent on processing PA requests.
3.How often are you asked to repeat prior authorizations already approved?
4.If you must repeat prior authorizations, at what frequency?
5.How has the number of prior authorizations required for medical services changed over the last five years? *Please choose one.
6.How has the number of prior authorizations required for prescription medications changed over the last five years? *Please choose one.
7.Do you have staff members in your practice who work exclusively on PA?
8.Do any of the health plans with which you contract offer programs that exempt physicians from prior authorization requirements? *These exemptions can be based on performance such as “Gold Card” programs.
9.Please indicate how often you and/or your staff use each of the following methods to complete prior authorizations for prescription medications.
Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
Always
Don't Know
Electronic health record/electronic prescribing system.
Health plan portal/website.
Fax
Phone
Email
US Mail
10.Please indicate how often you and/or your staff use each of the following methods to complete prior authorizations for medical services.
Never
Rarely
Sometimes
Often
Always
Don't Know
Electronic health record/electronic prescribing system.
Health plan portal/website.
Fax
Phone
Email
US Mail
11.For those patients whose treatment requires prior authorization, how often does this process delay necessary care and/or cause patients to abandon treatment?
12.In your experience, has the prior authorization process led to a serious adverse event (e.g., death, hospitalization, disability/permanent bodily damage, or other life-threatening event) for a patient in your care?
Please Tell Us About Yourself & Your Practice
13.Which of the following options best describes you?
14.How many hours of direct patient care do you provide during a typical week of practice? *Please choose only one.
15.Including yourself, how many physicians are in your practice?
16.Which of the following best describes your main practice?
17.Please select your primary medical specialty from the following list.
18.What part of the state are you located?
19.Are you willing to share your experience with state and federal policymakers, and members of the media? If so, please share your name, email and phone number.
20.If you have additional comments and feedback, please share.