For those of us that have to pay for our own health insurance we all know how expensive it can be. With the insurance premiums as high as they are, one would expect that when one needed to use it, we could count on the coverage being available. The insurance carriers will tell you when you contact them to verify your coverage that you are indeed covered, but does that mean that the care/procedures that your doctor is requesting will be paid for in a timely manner. The answer is it may not. You see, depending on who your source is, between 10 and 20 percent of medical claims are denied outright. Guess who winds up with the medical bill, that's correct, you as the patient does. Ever wonder what happens if the doctor tries to obtain prior authorization in order to avoid the 10-20 percent denial rate? This sounds like a good idea or is it?

Here are a couple of reasons why it may not be such a great idea:

1. 1.) Waiting for prior authorization to ensure payment of medical bills prolongs the care one needs performed in a timely manner which is a negative for the patient for their care is delayed.
2. 2.) Prior authorization can, depending on the carrier, take a while and when the care is finally authorized some patients choose to not have the treatment at all now due to the frustration experienced while waiting in limbo which is typically a negative for the patient.
3. 3.) prior authorization is not a 100 percent guarantee that the medical bill will be paid.

So, what do we as patients/caregivers do to navigate this tricky situation? After all, who can afford getting socked with huge medical bills that are not paid for the reasons as described above. Well, obtaining knowledge from those patients/caregivers that had their care authorized and all their medical bills paid as per their plans specifications only makes sense.

Becoming empowered due to other’s past insurance experiences via the PatientReaction platform is truly invaluable for we all know how expensive medical care can be if you don't have the coverage. There is no reason any longer to pay a lot for your medical coverage and not get a lot(ie.-my medical bills paid), that is just inexcusable now.