CMS urged not to implement proposed prior authorization attachment standard

The AHA July 27 joined AHIP, the American Medical Association, and Blue Cross Blue Shield Association in urging the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services not to implement its proposed HIPAA attachments standard for prior authorization due to conflicting regulatory proposals, which “would create the very same costly burdens” that administrative simplification seeks to alleviate.

“For these reasons, our organizations strongly advise against adoption of standards for PA attachments as proposed in this rule,” the organizations said. “We sincerely appreciate CMS’ efforts to simplify and streamline the PA process to benefit patients, health care professionals, and health plans and look forward to continuing to work with you in these efforts.”