Healthcare providers say insurance companies are innovating new ways to make it harder to get paid.
Physicians, hospitals and other providers have always complained of low rates, delayed payments and the usual red tape. But rules insurers such as Blue Cross Blue Shield of Michigan, UnitedHealthcare and Elevance Health have recently announced may be a new battleground in the age-old fight between the two camps.
Related: Providers lean on AI startups to limit, challenge insurance denials
Health insurance companies justify utilization management and claims review as crucial to constraining healthcare spending and ensuring that patients receive appropriate care. They also maintain that many claims are turned down because of provider error and that clarifying what's required upfront makes the reimbursement process more efficient.
Whatever the case, providers and patients have grown increasingly frustrated with the health insurance industry, which has attracted political attention.