HRA Town Hall Highlights the Growing Impact of Prior Authorization on Heart Rhythm Care

Prior authorization has become one of the most significant challenges facing patients and the clinicians who care for them. To explore how the electrophysiology community can work together to improve patient access to care, Heart Rhythm Advocates recently hosted a virtual Town Hall, "Advocating for Prior Authorization Reform." 

Moderated by Rajesh Kabra, MD, FACC, FHRS, and Sandeep Gautam, MD, MPH, FHRS, the discussion featured an expert panel including Mina Chung, MD, FHRS; Jalaj Garg, MD, FHRS; Scott J. Greenberg, MD, FHRS; Dhanunjaya (DJ) Lakkireddy, MD, MBA, FHRS; Rick Snyder, MD, FACC; and Jamie Treskot, PhD. 

Throughout the discussion, panelists emphasized that while prior authorization can play an appropriate role in ensuring responsible use of healthcare resources, the current process has become increasingly burdensome for both patients and providers. Participants described how lengthy authorization timelines, inconsistent coverage requirements, and repeated documentation requests can delay medically necessary care while diverting valuable clinical resources away from patient care. 

The panel also discussed the unique challenges facing heart rhythm specialists. Prior authorization requirements frequently affect catheter ablation procedures, cardiac implantable electronic devices, left atrial appendage occlusion (LAAO), remote monitoring services, imaging, and other therapies that are often time-sensitive for patients living with cardiac arrhythmias. 

A major focus of the Town Hall was the importance of physician engagement in advocacy. Panelists encouraged attendees to share their experiences with policymakers, contribute examples of patient care delays, and participate in HRA's grassroots advocacy efforts to advance meaningful reform. 

The discussion comes at an important time. Congress is currently considering the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2025, bipartisan legislation that would modernize prior authorization in Medicare Advantage by improving electronic prior authorization processes, increasing transparency, establishing more timely responses, and reducing unnecessary administrative burden on providers. 

Panelists also discussed HRA's ongoing advocacy related to commercial payer policies, including recent concerns surrounding Louisiana Blue's coverage policy for left atrial appendage occlusion. The discussion highlighted the need for coverage policies that reflect current clinical evidence, professional society guidelines, and individualized clinical decision-making to help ensure patients receive timely access to medically appropriate care. 

The Town Hall reinforced HRA's commitment to working alongside physicians, allied professionals, patients, industry partners, and policymakers to improve access to evidence-based cardiovascular care. 

Get Involved 

Your advocacy makes a difference. HRA encourages members to: 

• Contact their Members of Congress in support of the Improving Seniors' Timely Access to Care Act of 2025 through the HRA Action Center.  

• Share examples of how prior authorization has affected patient care in their practice.

• Stay engaged with HRA as we continue advocating for reforms that reduce unnecessary administrative burden and improve timely access to guideline-supported therapies for patients with heart rhythm disorders.