The Wrath Of Prior Authorization

I’m in the process of getting a new wheelchair approved because my current chair is eight years old and its age is beginning to show. The vendor that I’m working with told me to first get an assessment from the University of Minnesota, which required a doctor’s order. When I went to the assessment yesterday, I was told I would need to get another assessment from a separate clinic because I use a customized seating system. When I called the other clinic to set up that appointment, I was told I would need to get another doctor’s order.

I understand the need to demonstrate medical necessity for major equipment purchases like this, but the fragmented medical bureaucracy isn’t making things any easier. Can I please just have a new chair without the hoop-jumping?