Surescripts Unveils Innovative Touchless Prior Authorization Technology
ARLINGTON, Va. – Surescripts®, the nation’s leading health information network, unveils the first-of-its-kind Touchless Prior Authorization technology, transforming prior authorizations to help alleviate one of healthcare’s most pressing challenges for care providers and patients.
“This technology can meaningfully transform the existing burdensome prior authorization process, helping patients get started on high-quality, affordable, evidence-based treatment that is covered by their health plan — without delay.”
Surescripts Touchless Prior Authorization helps automate existing manual workflows, significantly reducing the time-consuming administrative tasks often required for medication prior authorizations, returning time to prescribers, pharmacists and care managers while quickly getting patients started on the best treatment path.
“With a strong foundation of nationwide interoperability and a focus on innovation born out of cross-industry collaboration, Surescripts is thrilled to bring Touchless Prior Authorization to care providers and payers nationwide,” said Frank Harvey, Chief Executive Officer for Surescripts. “This technology can meaningfully transform the existing burdensome prior authorization process, helping patients get started on high-quality, affordable, evidence-based treatment that is covered by their health plan — without delay.”
In a 2024 pilot, conducted in collaboration with leading health systems such as Fairview Health Services, the appeals and denials caused by a lack of clinical information were reduced by 88% and 68% respectively, and many approvals were completed in less than 30 seconds with this innovative technology.
“Prior authorizations have long been a frustrating and time-consuming hurdle for both providers and patients,” said Mel Nelson, Vice President of Specialty Pharmacy Consulting for Fairview. “It’s essential to find ways to simplify the process so patients get the medications they need faster, and clinicians can focus on care instead of paperwork. Technology continues to be a powerful tool in making healthcare more efficient and patient centered.”
“When we’re sick, we shouldn’t have to think twice about the steps that happen between receiving a diagnosis from a clinician, being prescribed a treatment and taking the first dose of a medication,” said Tara Dragert, Chief Product Officer for Surescripts. “That was the purpose driving the innovative collaboration to develop Touchless Prior Authorization. This technology will ensure patients can quickly access safe, quality treatment they need and deserve, while significantly reducing the administrative burdens facing all sides of the patient care team.”
As of 2023, over one-third of medical plans had an entirely manual prior authorization process that depended on phone, mail, fax and email.
Another survey showed that 87% of physicians said that the prior authorization process can increase healthcare utilization as patients try other ineffective treatments or make additional office visits—and potentially seek more expensive care such as emergency room visits—when they encounter prior authorization barriers.
Learn more in this KLAS Research case study about how Surescripts Touchless Prior Authorization technology is making it easier for electronic health records vendors, pharmacy benefit managers, health systems and clinicians to get patients the care they deserve.
Surescripts @ ViVE 2025
Connect with Surescripts at ViVE in Nashville, February 16-19, at Booth #1245 to learn more about the results of the innovative collaboration that is transforming the prior authorization process.
Join Dr. Lynne Nowak, Chief Data & Analytics Officer for Surescripts, for Transforming Prior Authorization, on Monday, February 17, 10:45 – 11:05 a.m. CT at the InteropNow! Pavilion – Data Innovation Theater.
Dr. Nowak will present the results of a recent partnership to reimagine the prior authorization workflow for greater efficiency, a better experience for prescribers and faster speed to therapy for patients.
For Media: Dr. Nowak will also be available to answer questions at ViVE. Please contact Kate Giaquinto to schedule an interview.
About Surescripts
Our purpose is to serve the nation through simpler, trusted health intelligence sharing, in order to increase patient safety, lower costs and ensure quality care. At Surescripts, we align healthcare organizations across the nation and convene the Surescripts Network Alliance® to give healthcare professionals the trusted insights they need to serve patients. Together, we’re bringing more intelligence to prescribing, informing treatment and care management with interoperability, and making it simpler to handle benefits and authorizations so patients get high-quality, affordable care sooner. Visit us at surescripts.com.
