Doctors Bianca Roberts and Kimberly Diaz advocate for AB 5 10 to improve patient care

In a pivotal meeting of the California Assembly Health Committee, discussions centered around Assembly Bill 510, a proposed legislation aimed at reforming the prior authorization process for medical treatments. The bill seeks to ensure that when a treating provider appeals a prior authorization decision, the health plan must provide a peer review from a specialist in the same or similar field.

Dr. Bianca Roberts, an experienced family physician and chair of the urgent care department at Big Horn Family Practice, passionately advocated for the bill. She shared a poignant story about a patient with diabetes whose treatment authorization was frequently revoked, leading to unnecessary delays and health complications. Dr. Roberts emphasized the stress this process places on both patients and healthcare providers, contributing to the growing shortage of primary care physicians. "I just want my patients to get the care they need in a timely manner," she stated, highlighting the urgent need for a more efficient system.

Joining Dr. Roberts was Kimberly Diaz, a patient representative from the Crohn's and Colitis Foundation. Diaz spoke about her own struggles with inflammatory bowel disease, detailing the anxiety that comes with waiting for insurance approvals for critical treatments. She underscored the importance of having appeals reviewed by specialists who truly understand the complexities of such conditions. "For patients like me, this bill could mean the difference between staying stable and ending up in crisis," Diaz remarked, urging committee members to support the legislation.

The testimonies from both Dr. Roberts and Diaz painted a vivid picture of the challenges faced by patients and healthcare providers alike in navigating the current prior authorization system. As the committee deliberates on AB 510, the voices of those directly impacted by these policies resonate strongly, calling for a more compassionate and informed approach to healthcare decision-making. The outcome of this bill could significantly alter the landscape of patient care in California, ensuring that timely and appropriate treatments are accessible to those in need.