Glossary

What is Prior authorization?

Prior authorization is a health plan's requirement that a provider obtain approval before a service is performed for it to be covered. Advanced imaging such as MRI, CT, and PET commonly requires it. If the authorization is missing when the exam happens, the claim can be denied and the practice or patient left with the cost.

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By Alex Le, Echo product teamUpdated August 2026

Prior authorization is separate from insurance eligibility verification: a plan can be active and in network and still require approval for a specific exam. Requests typically include the ordering provider, the exam, and the diagnosis, and payers can take days to respond.

Echo Booking flags exams that need prior authorization when coverage is checked, raises each one as a tracked task, and keeps the patient updated on its status. It does not make the clinical case for medical necessity; that stays with the practice.

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