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Sep 1, 2026

UnitedHealthcare removes prior authorization requirement for 1,700 procedure codes

UnitedHealthcare announced it is eliminating prior authorization requirements for 1,700 diagnostic and procedure codes starting in October 2026, part of its commitment to reduce utilization management controls by 30%. The move received cautious approval from healthcare experts, though some questioned the practical impact of the changes.

Sep 1, 2026·3 sources
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Top claims

  • ▪UnitedHealthcare announced a list of healthcare providers who newly qualify for its national gold card program, which bypasses prior authorization for most procedures.
  • ▪The removal of 1,700 codes represents approximately 30% of UnitedHealthcare's prior authorization requirements across its commercial, Medicare Advantage, Medicaid, and Affordable Care Act plans.
  • ▪Former insurance executive Wendell Potter stated that many removed codes represent low-stakes services, such as minor skin lesion excisions, routine injections, and rarely billed placeholder codes.

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