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House committee approves bill requiring scheduling options for insurer peer‑to‑peer reviews to avoid distracting providers
Summary
The Georgia House Health Committee approved LC461010 to let treating providers schedule peer‑to‑peer discussions with insurers or use callback/web options instead of answering immediate calls; proponents said it eases delays and reduces risk to patients.
The Georgia House Health Committee voted to give LC461010 a favorable report after hearing testimony that prior‑authorization peer‑to‑peer calls sometimes interrupt physicians during patient care.
Author and sponsor Representative Hawkins told the committee the bill would require insurers to offer alternatives when a treating provider cannot immediately take a peer‑to‑peer call. Options would include setting an agreed callback time, contracting with the treating provider’s designee, or providing a web/telecommunication scheduling system.
Why it matters: Physicians and surgeons testified that insurers sometimes require immediate peer‑to‑peer calls and that missing a call can result in a denial of coverage and delays in care. Proponents said scheduling will reduce distractions during procedures and improve timely access to care.
Testimony and examples: Chairman Hawkins described a widely circulated social‑media post from plastic surgeon Dr. Elizabeth Potter in which she recounted being called by an insurer in the middle of surgery and having to scrub out to respond. The Medical Association of Georgia (MAG) representatives — Anna Ruzica (MAG staff) and Dr. Jeff Marshall (advocate and interventional cardiologist) — described the regularity of preauthorization calls and said the requirement to make or take calls imposes a substantial administrative burden on clinicians.
Insurer engagement: Committee testimony noted work with insurance representatives. The bill’s supporters said they worked with Jesse (J.C.) Wetherington, who represents health insurers, and that some payers supported the scheduling approach.
Vote and next steps: The committee recorded a voice vote in favor of the bill; the motion carried and the committee reported the bill out (voice vote). The transcript does not provide a roll‑call tally or named mover/second.
Speaker list and attribution: Key committee participants included Representative Hawkins (bill author), Dr. Jeff Marshall (Medical Association of Georgia advocate), Anna Ruzica (Medical Association of Georgia staff), Dr. Elizabeth Potter (quote from social media), and Representative Parsons (questioning member).
