UnitedHealthcare Revises Colonoscopy Policy, Drops Prior Authorization Requirement.

UnitedHealthcare has shifted its approach to endoscopy services, including colonoscopies, from "prior authorization" to "advance notification." The new requirement involves providers submitting patient data to UnitedHealthcare before performing a procedure. Providers who submit advance notifications will be eligible for UnitedHealthcare's Gold Card program, which will eliminate prior authorization requirements for most procedures. The change comes after criticism from medical groups about the prior authorization plan, which could have delayed urgent procedures. Some groups have expressed concern about the "advance notification" process, which they say could create significant administrative and resource burdens for physicians and medical staff.