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Doctors say it's getting harder to get tests like cat-scans and MRI's done nowadays. That's because a new policy will soon be taking effect. Excellus Blue Cross Blue Shield will soon be making doctors call before scheduling for tests. Then the company will decide whether or not the test should be given. Excellus is not the only insurance company that has this pre-authorization policy. Since a lot of Central New Yorkers have Excellus as their provider, doctors are noticing it more. For example, Doctor Alkins at Internists Associates says it's been causing problems at his office. He noticed it recently, in the last three months. He says because of the time it takes to get something authorized, there ends up being a time crunch with patients. Trying to set up the authorization takes up the time of nurses, meaning longer wait times for other patients. So right now, while this policy is not in place yet, it is going through a test phase. That's why doctors have been calling in, to prepare for when it's in effect. The pre authorization policy will be in place starting on February 19th
