UnitedHealthcare Revises Colonoscopy Policy, Drops Prior Authorization Requirement.

UnitedHealthcare has shifted its controversial "prior authorization" requirement for non-screening colonoscopies and other gastroenterology endoscopy services to an "advance notification" process. Providers must collect and submit patient data to UnitedHealthcare before performing a procedure to be eligible for the insurer's Gold Card program, which will eliminate prior authorization requirements for most procedures. The prior authorization plan received criticism from the medical community, and some groups have expressed concern about the "advance notification" process.