How Insurers Attempt to Discourage Biologic Therapy for Psoriasis

Abstract

Background

Biologic therapy for psoriasis is costly, and insurance companies vary in the pre-authorization procedures required for these treatments.

Methods

A survey was performed of more than 300 of the approximately 600 practicing dermatologists at the Fall Clinical Dermatology Conference.

Results

More than 80% of those surveyed prescribe biologic therapies for psoriasis. Sixty percent have to obtain prior authorizations more than 80% of the time before prescribing biologics. For many patients, prior authorizations have to be repeated every three months. The median amount of time spent on prior authorizations was between 30 and 60 minutes and 50% of dermatologists require at least one-quarter of a full-time employee to deal with the paperwork. Eighty percent of dermatologists thought that reimbursement hurdles prevent them from using ideal therapies for psoriasis.

Conclusion

The paperwork associated with prescribing biologic agents generates unreimbursed expenses and may interfere with ideal treatments for patients with psoriasis.