UnitedHealthcare to cut prior authorization for 30% of treatments

UnitedHealthcare said on Tuesday it is eliminating "prior authorization" requirements for 30% of medical services that previously required insurer approval, a policy shift that could eliminate red tape and speed access to patient care. The move comes amid pressure on the health insurance industry to limit prior authorizations, the process by which health care providers such as doctors or hospitals obtain approval from patients' insurance carriers to deliver care. …