Average Time Required for Prior Authorization Physician Statistics

Prior authorization work can consume roughly 12 to 13 hours per physician per week when physician and staff time are combined in survey reporting. SolopreneurPhysician uses that benchmark to prioritize PA worklists for medical VAs before lower-impact administrative tasks.

Average Time Required for Prior Authorization Physician Statistics

Time burden comes from more than the initial request. It includes checking requirements, gathering documentation, portal submission, status follow-up, phone calls, denials, appeals, and patient communication.

Source note: AMA prior authorization survey work summarizes the burden physicians report from payer requirements. See AMA prior authorization reform.

Time Burden Benchmarks

For a solo physician, 12 hours of prior authorization work is more than a full clinic session. Even if the physician personally handles only part of that time, the practice still pays for the workload through staff capacity and patient delay.

For related weekly volume data, see our PA volume statistics.

Delegation Model

The safest delegation model separates administrative execution from clinical decision-making. The VA manages the tracker, gathers documents, completes allowed fields, and escalates clinical questions.

For broader workflow context, see our administrative support service.

FAQ

How much time does prior authorization take?

Survey reporting often puts the combined physician and staff burden at roughly 12 to 13 hours per physician per week.

What is the first PA task to delegate?

Start with a central PA tracker because it reduces missed follow-ups and makes the workload visible.