Issue link: https://beckershealthcare.uberflip.com/i/1527804
20 ASC UnitedHealthcare releases gold-card eligible procedure codes By Claire Wallace On Sept. 1, UnitedHealthcare released a list of procedures that will be eligible for its new physician gold card program. e program aims to save patients and providers time by allowing qualifying providers to skip the prior authorization process for a number of procedure codes. Providers remain split on the program, with some calling it a welcome change, while others expressing doubts about its effectiveness. "e proposal behind the gold card program from UHC is one that will work to help alleviate pre-certification requirements if the program works as designed," Zeeshan Tayeb, MD, owner and medical director of Pain Specialists of Cincinnati, told Becker's. "e qualifying criteria for provider enrollment is something that will help raise the standards of care for all patients receiving treatment." Other advocacy groups, including the American Gastroenterological Association, expressed reservations and pointed to risks within the program. "Ultimately, our concern is for our patients. UHC's gold card program risks disrupting their access to timely care. … With colorectal cancer rates rapidly rising among younger Americans, it is especially important for UHC to refrain from imposing barriers to the vital care that can catch concerning polyps at an early, more treatable stage," Maria Abreu, MD, AGA's president told Becker's. "We're introducing our first-of-its-kind national gold card program on Oct. 1, recognizing provider groups who consistently adhere to evidence-based guidelines. e UnitedHealthcare gold card program is the next step in our continual efforts to modernize the prior authorization process and simplify the healthcare experience for consumers and providers," a UHC spokesperson told Becker's. United's new gold card eligible procedure codes will go into effect on Oct. 1. n The 19 states facing a potential physician deficit by 2028 By Cameron Cortigiano There are 19 states that are projected to have a shortage of physicians by 2028, according to a report from Mercer, a consulting firm. California, New York and Texas are expected to have the largest deficits, with each state potentially having a shortage of more than 2,000 physicians by 2028. The report used historical data up to 2023, applying a linear autoregressive model based on historical supply data for each occupation and geography to project surpluses and shortages. Here are the states that are projected to have a shortage of physicians by 2028: Note: This list includes the District of Columbia. States are listed in order of largest projected shortage. Texas: 2,830 New York: 2,706 California: 2,580 Georgia: 850 Missouri: 634 Utah: 525 North Carolina: 393 Oregon: 387 Alabama: 380 Kentucky: 358 South Carolina: 243 Oklahoma: 195 West Virginia: 160 Michigan: 111 Maine: 66 Vermont: 58 District of Columbia: 54 South Dakota: 19 New Mexico: 14 Hawaii: 9" n Image Credit: PBS