What type of provider authorization is applied in emergency situations where prior authorization is not feasible?

In emergency situations, the type of provider authorization that is applied when prior authorization is not feasible is concurrent authorization. This process allows for treatment to begin immediately due to the urgent nature of the situation. In a concurrent authorization, the healthcare provider must notify the insurance company of the emergency treatment as soon as possible after the care has been initiated, allowing the insurer to review and determine authorization for the services provided during the emergency.

This approach is crucial because it ensures that necessary care can be delivered without delays that might occur if seeking prior authorization, which is typically done before services are rendered. Concurrent authorization balances the need to provide immediate care while still allowing for oversight by the insurance provider.

In contrast, retrospective authorization occurs after treatment has already been rendered, and pre-authorization is required before the service is provided. The voluntary option is not commonly used in the context of emergency care and typically pertains to different situations where patients opt in for certain services.