Important Update Regarding Prior Authorizations
Dear Nourish Patients,
We wanted to take a moment to inform you about an important change regarding prior authorizations (PAs) for medications and treatments. After careful consideration, we have made the difficult decision to no longer process PAs on behalf of our patients. Unfortunately, the process of dealing with insurance companies and pharmaceutical providers has become increasingly burdensome, often involving long delays, excessive back-and-forth communication, and multiple denials after considerable effort from both you, our dedicated staff, and your doctor.
We deeply empathize with the frustration and stress that this has caused for our patients. As a naturopathic clinic, we are committed to providing care that is both effective and compassionate. However, navigating the complexities of insurance and pharmaceutical systems has become a barrier to delivering the high-quality, patient-centered care we strive to offer. It is our intention to redefine the healthcare experience by focusing on holistic solutions that support your well-being without the constant challenges of traditional insurance processes.
Self-Pay Options for Medications:
In addition to navigating insurance and PA processes, we’ve found that many commercial pharmacies do not always mention that patients have the option to self-pay for medications, especially when insurance coverage is delayed or denied. It’s not uncommon for patients to be told that their insurance has denied coverage, or that they are waiting for a PA approval, without being offered the self-pay price. We strongly encourage you to directly ask what the self-pay price is for your medications when you are faced with these situations. Often, the self-pay price can be significantly lower than what you might expect, especially when compared to the costs involved with insurance processing.
In addition to traditional pharmacies, you may want to explore compounding pharmacies or use resources such as GoodRx, Cost Plus, and mail-order pharmacies to find lower-cost alternatives. These options can often provide medications at a fraction of the cost, without the burden of dealing with insurance delays.
If you encounter a high-cost treatment or medication, we kindly encourage you to reach out to your insurance company or pharmacy to explore any available alternatives or generic options. If they suggest alternatives, please bring these options to your next follow-up appointment, and your doctor will be happy to discuss them with you and guide you toward the best possible course of action.
We understand that this change may bring about questions or concerns, and we are here to support you as we transition to this new approach. Thank you for your understanding, and we remain fully committed to providing you with the best care possible. If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact us.
With compassion,
The Team at Nourish Medical Center