Prior Authorization Services

Reducing Delays, Strengthening Compliance, Protecting Revenue

A Structured Process for a Changing Regulatory Environment

In 2025, prior authorization has become one of the most complex and time-sensitive components of the revenue cycle. Hospitals, physicians, and clinics are now required to meet tighter submission timelines, new electronic-exchange mandates, and rapidly shifting payer criteria.

At IntegraRCM, we manage the entire authorization process from verification to approval, ensuring that care proceeds without administrative interruption and that reimbursement remains secure.


Context: Why Prior Authorization Now Defines the Front End of RCM

The 2025 RCM Blueprint identifies prior authorization as the single largest source of front-end denials. Roughly one in four claim rejections stems from missing or expired authorizations, and 93% of physicians report patient-care delays as a result.

New federal rules, particularly CMS-0057-F, now require payers to respond to urgent requests within 72 hours and standard ones within seven days, with all activity shifting to electronic APIs by 2027.

Strategic Implication for Healthcare Finance Leaders

Authorization accuracy is no longer just a compliance task; it is a determinant of cash-flow stability.

IntegraRCM Prior Authorization Workflow

Verification

Documentation

Submission

Tracking

Approval

Integration / Appeal

A closed-loop authorization cycle ensuring precision, speed, and compliance.

Before & After Partnership

Area Before IntegraRCM After IntegraRCM
Turnaround Time 3–5 days, variable by payer 1–2 days average
Authorization-Related Denials 10–15% of total denials < 5% within first 90 days
Staff Utilization Clinical/front-desk staff on calls and portals Administrative load centralized
Scheduling Impact Frequent postponements Reliable scheduling with verified approvals
Audit Readiness Manual logs and incomplete documentation Fully auditable digital trail

0%

Surgeon throughput gain

0%

Authorization-related denials

0%

Approval rate achieved

Engagement & Pricing Structure

Model Description Best Fit
Per-Case Fee Fixed rate per completed authorization (includes submission and follow-up) Low-volume clinics
Dedicated FTE Model Full-time specialists working exclusively on your authorizations Hospitals & multi-site groups
Hybrid Engagement Retainer + per-case billing for overflow Medium-sized practices

Each engagement begins with a 30-day onboarding period covering payer matrix setup, template design, and baseline metric reporting.

What Clients Can Expect

Within three months of implementation, clients typically observe measurable revenue stabilization and reduced scheduling disruption.

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1. What types of services require prior authorization?

High-cost imaging, outpatient surgeries, specialty drugs, and durable medical equipment most often require payer authorization.

Q2. Can IntegraRCM integrate with our EHR or practice-management system?

Yes. We interface with common platforms and maintain secure HIPAA-compliant data exchange protocols.

Q3. How do you handle urgent requests?

Urgent cases are flagged for same-day submission and direct payer contact, meeting the new 72-hour CMS response window.

Q4. Does IntegraRCM manage denials and appeals?

Yes. Denied authorizations are reviewed, corrected, and resubmitted with supporting documentation until resolved.

Q5. How do you maintain compliance?

All processes adhere to CMS-0057-F and payer-specific regulations. Every authorization is traceable with time-stamped audit logs.

Q6. Can we retain some tasks in-house?

Absolutely. Our model supports full outsourcing or co-managed arrangements where internal staff handle verification while IntegraRCM manages submissions and tracking.

Request a Prior Authorization Audit

We'll review your current authorization turnaround, denials, and policy adherence, then deliver actionable recommendations to streamline your process.

Audit reports are delivered within 10 business days.

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