Health Insurance Prior Authorization in 2026: How It Works, Denials, Appeals & Costs
When a doctor recommends a medical procedure, diagnostic test, prescription drug, imaging study, specialist service, or other treatment, many patients assume the next step is simply scheduling the service. Sometimes it is. Other times, the insurance company requires prior authorization before it agrees to cover the treatment. Prior authorization—also called preauthorization, precertification, or preapproval—is one…
