How does prior authorization impact patient access to medications?

Prior authorization is a process used by insurance companies to determine whether a specific medication will be covered under a patient's plan before it is dispensed. This requirement can significantly impact patient access to medications because it involves submitting documentation that justifies the need for the prescribed treatment, often necessitating approval from the insurance provider.

Due to the time taken to review these requests, there can be delays in obtaining the necessary approval. This means that patients may not have immediate access to their medications, leading to potential interruptions in their treatment regimen. In many cases, healthcare providers and pharmacy staff must navigate this process, which can prolong the time before the patient can actually start or continue their medication therapy.

Recognizing this impact is crucial for understanding how administrative barriers can affect healthcare outcomes. Therefore, the correct answer emphasizes the potential for delays in patient access until the required authorization has been obtained.