Five easy ways in May to reduce prior auths in DC

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

Five easy ways in May to reduce prior auths in DC

Apr 26, 2023, 09:20 AM by MSDC Staff

Take one or more of these five steps in May to reduce the prior auth burden you and your patients are facing.

May is a HUGE month in the fight to reduce the prior auth burden in DC. Imagine a world with fewer insurance denials and when prior authorizations happen, they are more targeted and medically sound.

Fantasy? Not if you take a few minutes this month to do one or more of the following

Testify on May 24 at the prior authorization bill hearing. It's easy and convenient. The hearing starts at 9:30 AM and is completely virtual. MSDC can even sign you up if you ask.
Learn more about prior auth changes (and potential changes) by joining Dr. Patience White for a discussion on the state of prior authorization in DC. She will be joined by Council staff and the AMA to discuss the hearing and other updates.
Want to testify at this hearing or a future one, but don't know how? MSDC President Dr. Susanne Bathgate is having a brief lunch session on testifying before the Council - learn more here.
Let MSDC know you're interested in this issue. Seriously - that's it. We can't keep you up to date if we don't know.
Sign our sign-on letter here.

We've been talking A LOT about prior authorization recently, and it is because our DC bill puts practical but effective limits on when insurers (private and public) can slap a prior authorization on your prescriptions. See here how.

But this great new reality won't happen if physicians, patients, and practices don't act now. The good news is it is easier than ever to make a difference.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.