SUBJECT: UHC Prior Authorization Requirements for Uploading Radiographic Images
Dear Mr. Wichmann:
On behalf of the American Association of Neurological Surgeons (AANS), the Congress of Neurological
Surgeons (CNS) and the AANS/CNS Joint Section on Disorders of the Spine and Peripheral Nerves
(DSPN), we are writing to express concern about UnitedHealthcare’s (UHC) new prior authorization
policy for the surgical treatment of spinal conditions. This new policy requires the surgeon or the office
staff to upload the actual images of radiographic studies to obtain prior authorization. We strongly
believe that this policy is unnecessary, ill-advised and will adversely affect patients’ timely access to
care. Additionally, the policy inappropriately veers towards the practice of medicine. We, therefore, ask
that UHC to permanently end this new policy.
Read full letter here
