It seems that technology evolves every second of every day. While some of this fast paced evolution can leave users with ethical questions, there is no doubt that many benefits to modern society have been born from this innovation. The healthcare space is no exception.

Not surprisingly, according to providers and patients, one area within the health space in desperate need of improvement is preauthorization. Many individuals will be aware of this process, whereby providers must receive the ‘go ahead’ from a patient’s specific insurance carrier before scheduling and then performing major services such as MRIs and surgeries. Though it sounds like a straightforward process, patients and providers alike say otherwise. The waiting game from the time of submission of a provider's request for authorization, to the actual receipt of approval from the insurance carrier can take weeks, delaying care and further complicating the scheduling phase.

According to Forbes, technology giant Google is developing a tool called ‘Claims Data Activator’ which will use artificial intelligence (ai) to accelerate this process. Importantly, this is not designed as a decision tool, but rather a process improver, meaning it will enhance the efficiency of data exchange and flow, without substituting any actual input or discretion. Insurance carriers will still be the ultimate decision makers for preauthorization requests, but will have more expedient access to the medical information necessary to approve procedures. 

Beneficial uses of technology are welcome in an industry where cost growth outpaces most others year over year.