05/25/2026
A prior authorization is something your insurance may require before certain care is covered.
It’s a way for the insurance company to review and approve a medication, test, or procedure ahead of time, usually to confirm that it’s medically necessary.
If a prior authorization is required and isn’t completed, the service may not be covered the way you expect, which can lead to higher out-of-pocket costs.
The good news is that your doctor’s office will typically handle this process, but it can sometimes take time, so it’s something to be aware of.
If you ever see this come up and aren’t sure what it means, we’re always happy to help you walk through it.