Utilization management places a heavy administrative burden on clinicians. In many cases, the immense amount of paperwork can even lead to burnout.
An article published in the American Journal of Managed Care highlights a national poll of 501 physicians that demonstrates utilization management has serious consequences for providers. Tactics like prior authorization, step therapy and non-medical switching all take up clinician resources and can place serious strain on the clinician-patient relationship. In many cases, utilization management tactics place a significant role in contributing to clinician burnout.
Good policies that limit the harm of utilization management, however, can be a boon for clinicians and protect them from burnout.
