Story perspectives

UnitedHealthcare Cuts Prior Authorizations 30% Using AI

5/6/2026

Summary

Story summary

UnitedHealthcare will eliminate prior authorizations for 30% of services by the end of 2026.
The eliminated services include select outpatient surgeries, echocardiograms, certain outpatient therapies and chiropractic care.
UnitedHealthcare currently requires prior authorization for 2% of services, with about 92% approved within 24 hours.
CEO Tim Noel said authorizations should be used only when they truly protect patients.
UnitedHealthcare will use AI-driven analysis to flag questionable usage and standardize requirements.

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Story summary

UnitedHealthcare will eliminate prior authorizations for 30% of services by the end of 2026.
The eliminated services include select outpatient surgeries, echocardiograms, certain outpatient therapies and chiropractic care.
UnitedHealthcare currently requires prior authorization for 2% of services, with about 92% approved within 24 hours.
CEO Tim Noel said authorizations should be used only when they truly protect patients.
UnitedHealthcare will use AI-driven analysis to flag questionable usage and standardize requirements.