UHC Launching Prior Authorization Gold Card Program


UnitedHealthcare’s (UHC) Gold Card Program will take effect on October 1, with the list of eligible services scheduled for release on September 1. Practices will be able to check their gold card qualification status through the UHC portal in September. 

ASGE supports reducing administrative burdens for practices that deliver evidence-based care, as it improves patient access. However, ASGE remains skeptical the program will significantly reduce physician practice administrative burden associated with UHC prior authorization requirements, especially because practices that receive gold card status will still need to participate in UHC’s Advance Notification process and because UHC says it may “require medical records as part of the monitoring and continuing evaluation of practices that have qualified for Gold Card status.”

ASGE will provide updates as program details emerge and will work to ensure your voices are heard and needs addressed.

 



About Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Gastrointestinal endoscopic procedures allow the gastroenterologist to visually inspect the upper gastrointestinal tract (esophagus, stomach and duodenum) and the lower bowel (colon and rectum) through an endoscope, a thin, flexible device with a lighted end and a powerful lens system. Endoscopy has been a major advance in the treatment of gastrointestinal diseases. For example, the use of endoscopes allows the detection of ulcers, cancers, polyps and sites of internal bleeding. Through endoscopy, tissue samples (biopsies) may be obtained, areas of blockage can be opened and active bleeding can be stopped. Polyps in the colon can be removed, which has been shown to prevent colon cancer.

About the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
Since its founding in 1941, the American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy (ASGE) has been dedicated to advancing patient care and digestive health by promoting excellence and innovation in gastrointestinal endoscopy. ASGE, with almost 16,000 members worldwide, promotes the highest standards for endoscopic training and practice, fosters endoscopic research, recognizes distinguished contributions to endoscopy, and is the foremost resource for endoscopic education. Visit Asge.org and ValueOfColonoscopy.org for more information and to find a qualified doctor in your area.

 

American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
3300 Woodcreek Drive Downers Grove, IL 60515
P (630) 573-0600
F (630) 963-8332

Media Contact

Andrea Lee
Director of Marketing and Communications
630.570.5603
ALee@asge.org