Member Alert
Updates from our meeting with UnitedHealthcare and next steps
On April 12, ACG, AGA and ASGE met with UnitedHealthcare (UHC) to discuss its plan to require prior authorization for GI endoscopy procedures for its commercial plans starting June 1, 2023. UHC scheduled this meeting with the societies to respond to previously expressed questions and concerns. As a follow-up, the GI societies requested UHC provide code-specific data to support its prior authorization program that would target GI services. (See UHC policy announcement, FAQs, impacted codes and code crosswalk.)   

UHC is not willing to delay implementation of this policy or decrease the number of physicians impacted by the program, even though it has announced plans to eliminate at least 20% of its current prior authorizations and will introduce a Gold Card program in 2024. 

These two policy strategies are contradictory to UHC's plans to create a new prior authorization program for GI services, and our societies are deeply concerned that implementation of this program will exacerbate health disparities, create additional barriers to care for the most vulnerable populations and add to already overwhelming administrative burden on physician practices.  
We need you to get involved! 


Send this letter to your state policymakers to review UHC’s new restriction on GI services and ask that state insurance commissions ensure that UHC has data to support the program in your state and monitor the impact this policy change will have on UHC beneficiary access to timely care. It is more important than ever that state insurance commissions closely monitor UHC to ensure their prior authorization processes are compliant with state laws and regulations and to prevent delays to medically necessary GI services. Send a letter now.

 #2 Take action: contact UHC now!

Write UHC's CEO with this customizable letter that outlines the impact of their GI endoscopy prior authorization program on gastroenterologists and their patients. Anyone can send a letter – just create an account first.

 #3 Take action: use your voice on social media!

Share graphics and tag UHC. Tell the public how UHC's new GI prior authorization program will impact your patients and practice. Don't forget to tag @UHC and use the #FixPriorAuth hashtag.  
Please contact your member organization with any questions:
American College of Gastroenterology
(301) 263-9000
American Gastroenterological Association
(301) 654-2055
American Society for Gastrointestinal Endoscopy
(630) 573-0600
ACG, AGA, and ASGE are committed to collaborate on issues of common interest to all members of the GI community, including public policy and regulatory challenges facing gastroenterologists. This message is being sent as a joint communication from the five societies and has been reviewed by each organization.

For more information: