Under My Skin

Absurdity

Publish date: April 27, 2018
By
Alan Rockoff, MD

 

Absurdity is everywhere you look. Or don’t look.

As the old comedian Henny Youngman might have said:

Take my prior authorizations. Please!

Prior authorizations

1. Marissa had been taking isotretinoin for 2 months. She learned that three 20-mg capsules would cost her less than the two 30-mg capsules she’d been on.

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Her insurer wanted Prior Authorization. I filled out their form.

Denied:

 “You have not provided a valid medical reason for prescribing more than two pills per day.”

My secretary called them. The insurance representative (Pharmacist? Clerk? Gal who stopped by to read the gas meter?) couldn’t help. “When I input your information, it issues a denial.” (Who is “it”? Watson’s evil twin Jensen?)

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