71 - Fool's Gold: From Prior Authorization to Registration of Care

Hosts Paul Andrews and Dr. Mark Davini examine UnitedHealthcare’s recent announcement to cut prior authorization requirements for 30% of covered services and the expansion of its “gold card” program. They break down what the program actually requires — and why that looks more like rebranding prior auth than reform.

The episode explores key concerns for chiropractors: increased admin burden, AI-driven decisioning, credentialing criteria that push providers to tailor care to insurer rules, and risks from proposed Medicare prior-authorization pilots run by private vendors. The hosts warn about EHR integration, conflict-of-interest incentives, and the real-world impact on patient access and provider autonomy.

Expect practical critique, examples from clinical practice, and a closing call to be skeptical when insurers claim changes are “good” — because what glitters isn’t always gold.