Putting this up for argument rather than for agreement. I have read it twice and I am still not certain what it supports.
Denials are usually procedural rather than clinical, and the order that works reflects that. Get the denial reason in writing, because it names the criterion you failed. Then supply the documentation that criterion asks for — usually documented BMI with a comorbidity, or a failed prior therapy. Then appeal, and ask for a peer-to-peer review, because a prescriber talking to a reviewing clinician resolves a large fraction of denials that written appeals do not. Manufacturer copay assistance is separate and applies mainly to commercial insurance, and patient assistance programmes are means-tested rather than a discount.
Where I think it is weakest: the comparator does most of the work in how this gets reported, and it is not the comparator most people think they are citing.
What I am trying to establish is what actually works on a prior-authorisation denial, as opposed to the list of things that sound like they should work. If the honest answer is that nobody knows, that is a useful answer and I would rather have it.
Figures above are from the primary publication rather than the press summary. If a number here disagrees with one you have, post yours and we will work out which of us is reading a secondary source.
mike_mod said:Denials are usually procedural rather than clinical, and the order that works reflects that.
Telehealth prescriber review for cost and coverage: I've used 2 different telehealth platforms to get my GLP-1 prescription. Comparison:
| Feature | Platform A | Platform B | Platform C |
|---|---|---|---|
| Initial Consult | $51 | $91 | $0 |
| Monthly Follow-up | $41 | Included | $51 |
| Prescription Speed | Same day | 24-48 hours | Same day |
| Lab Monitoring | Required | Optional | Required |
I settled on the one that required labs — it shows they care about safety, not just prescribing volume.
mike_mod said:Denials are usually procedural rather than clinical, and the order that works reflects that.
This is where I part company with the consensus forming above. The affordability discussion here usually stops at individual tactics. At list price this class is out of reach for most of the people who would benefit, and no amount of appeal strategy changes that — it is a pricing problem wearing a paperwork costume.
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View ResultsDr.SleepRoch said:The affordability discussion here usually stops at individual tactics.
Insurance update relevant to cost and coverage: I just got my prior auth approved through Anthem after 4 attempts.
What finally worked: a letter from my endocrinologist documenting BMI history (>3 years), failed diet attempts, comorbidities (NAFLD + metabolic syndrome), and referencing the SELECT trial data.
If your PA keeps getting denied, don't give up. Request a peer-to-peer review between your doctor and the insurance medical director. That's what finally broke through for me.
KevinCompounds said:Telehealth prescriber review for cost and coverage: I've used 2 different telehealth platforms to get my GLP-1 prescription.
Second this. The detail I would add is minor and it is already implied above.