Why is it important to obtain a reference number after a telephone prior authorization?

Obtaining a reference number after a telephone prior authorization is crucial because verbal authorizations may indeed be difficult to prove if there are any disputes or misunderstandings later on. A reference number serves as a tangible piece of evidence that the authorization was granted, providing a documented trail of the approval. This can be particularly important in scenarios where a patient’s care may be delayed due to lack of information or where insurance claims may be questioned later on.

While there are other reasons for obtaining reference numbers, such as facilitating billing or potentially improving the speed of the payment process, the primary reason highlighted in this context focuses on the ability to substantiate the authorization effectively. Establishing documentation for verbal agreements reduces ambiguity and supports the claims process, which is why having that reference number is essential.