Permission To Practice: Doctors, Patients Say Insurance Prior-Authorizations Put Profits Over People
March 20, 2023
In “Permission To Practice: Doctors, Patients Say Insurance Prior-Authorizations Put Profits Over People” (InvestigateTV, March 20, 2023) Steve Cohen is featured in a video (also found on YouTube) where he discusses the Kathleen Valentini case with respect to the prior authorization process.
Prior authorization—a process in which doctors submit a request and the patient's insurance decides whether or not it will provide coverage—is used almost unilaterally across the commercial health insurance industry. The inability of Kathleen Valentini's physician to obtain prior authorization for a critical treatment is believed to be the major reason she lost her leg, and ultimately, her life.
Insurance companies say these authorizations lower costs and protect patients, but critics argue that the policy comes between a patient and their doctor.
Pollock Cohen represented the family of Kathleen Valentini in this matter.
To view the video, click on the link below.
