Harvard research reveals the administrative problems for people seeking health care.
Learn about red tape burdens in U.S. health care.
As Goldrick got up from the ground, the fracture was immediately apparent.
Her nose was crooked and bruises were already developing across her face.
They scheduled the surgery for March, more than three months lateragain, the earliest available opening.
Then Goldricks troubles began.
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The week before her surgery, her doctors office called: Goldricks insurance company had denied the surgery pre-certification.
More than eight months after the fracture, her insurance paid for her septoplasty.
This is still a success story, Goldrick explains, grateful and optimistic despite her frustration.
Measuring red tape
Emma Goldricks experience is a common one.
What are administrative tasks, exactly?
Administrative burden has been understudied, in part, because data are much less readily available.
Cost is so overwhelming that it dwarfs other barriers.
An unequal burden
The burden of these administrative tasks is not shared equally.
Indeed, disability status has the strongest association with administrative tasks and burden.
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Its Amazing How Its All Connected.
Four medications had failed to alleviate his symptoms before this one worked.
But in September 2021, he moved cities and changed jobs.
He needed new prior authorization for the medication, which had to be initiated by his pharmacy.
And on and on.
Finally, he received a letter in the mail.
His prior authorization was denied, even though this was a medication hed previously had success with.
Ethan had to track down and fax 5,000 pages of his medical records.
Ethan had to track down and fax 5,000 pages of his medical records.
The process remains stalled because two different hospital systems failed to transfer additional records.
Instead, doctors attributed his pain to the incorrect fit of his current wheelchair.
Its not that simple.
First, says, Frakt, a simpler health insurance system should remove complexity.
Kyle adds, Someone like me should be able to schedule an appointment.
Booking an appointment is much harder for someone who doesnt have Kyles resources and expertise.
Thats why the second way to improve policy is by thinking about equity implications.
Some of the populations that face particular barriers deserve special attention, she says.
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