Impact of Prior Authorization Suspension on Access to Diabetes Technology in an Underserved Population: A Retrospective Analysis
Authors' conclusion
Removal of PA requirements was associated with improved access to diabetes technology and clinically meaningful HbA1c reductions.
Study context
- Population
- Adults with T1D in a safety net clinic, Medi-Cal
- Participants
- 105 adults
- Exposure
- Prior authorization (PA)-free period vs PA-required period
- Outcome
- Access to diabetes technology: CGM prescriptions, delays, denials
Methodological detailsretrospective chart review, single safety net clinic, two sequential policy periods
- Retrospective chart review
- Single safety net clinic
- Two sequential policy periods
Main finding
As reported in the abstract
| Group | Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) prescriptions | Delayed | Mean delay | Denied | New CGM prescriptions |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| PA-required | 32 | 46% | 82 days | 21% | |
| PA-free | 40 days | 27 |
Continuous glucose monitoring (CGM) prescriptions
PA-required32
PA-free— not stated in the abstract
Delayed
PA-required46%
PA-free— not stated in the abstract
Mean delay
PA-required82 days
PA-free40 days
Denied
PA-required21%
PA-free— not stated in the abstract
New CGM prescriptions
PA-required— not stated in the abstract
PA-free27
Observational data: associations, not effects.
Further findings
CGM use
- CGM use increased from PA-required to PA-free period
- 36.2% to 81.0%
Insulin pump use
- Pump use increased from PA-required to PA-free period
- 16 to 25 patients
HbA1c
- Mean HbA1c decreased from 9.1%, 76 mmol/mol (SD = 2.16)
- to 8.5%, 69 mmol/mol (SD = 1.89)
- Paired t test, HbA1c change
- P = 0.032
Original publication
Impact of Prior Authorization Suspension on Access to Diabetes Technology in an Underserved Population: A Retrospective Analysis. Diabetes Care. Published 18 June 2026. doi:10.
Composed by AI from the published abstract and checked against it. How Briefs are made →