Portland Psychiatrist Criticizes Prior Authorization for Delaying Patient Care
Dr. Jeffrey S. Barkin, a psychiatrist in Portland, Maine, has voiced strong criticism against the practice of prior authorization required by insurance companies. In a recent opinion piece, Dr. Barkin described an incident where he prescribed a generic medication for a patient, only to be met with a demand for prior authorization from the insurer. This process, intended to prevent unnecessary treatments, often results in delays and additional administrative burdens for doctors. Dr. Barkin argues that this system turns physicians into clerks and patients into individuals waiting for permission to receive care. He highlights that the administrative costs often exceed the cost of the medication itself, making the process not only inefficient but morally wrong. 
