Introduction
Prior authorization (PA) is a crucial step in ensuring medication coverage—but how long does it actually take? At Prospect Healthcare Solutions, we understand the urgency behind every prescription. Let’s walk through realistic timelines, common delays, and strategies to keep the process moving.

1. Typical Timelines for Medication PA

  • Standard requests: Most prior authorizations take 1–3 business days for approval. MBW RCMMed Xpert Services Prospect Healthcare Solutions

  • Non-urgent, routine medications: Expect 2–5 business days. Solace

  • Specialty or complex medications: These can require 5–10 business days, sometimes longer. careviso.com MBW RCM

2. Expedited & Urgent Requests

  • Expedited review for urgent cases: Decisions can be made in 24–72 hours, depending on the insurer. Med Xpert Services  Solace Investopedia Harvard Health

  • Medicare Advantage standards: Typically 14 days for standard PA, but expedited cases can be decided in 72 hours or 24 hours for Part B drugs. Starting 2026, standard review time will be reduced to 7 days. Investopedia

3. What Can Slow Down the Process

  • Incomplete or missing documentation: The most common cause of delays. Practolytics Med Xpert ServicesMBW RCM

  • Manual submission methods (e.g., fax): These add extra days over electronic systems. Wikipediacareviso.comPractolytics

  • Appeals or peer-to-peer reviews: If a request is denied initially, expect additional weeks in processing time. careviso.com Investopedia Prospect Healthcare Solutions

  • Real-world experiences: Some users report waiting up to 3 weeks for final approval in complicated cases. Reddit

4. Tips to Speed Up Your PA Process

  • Submit complete and clear documentation (e.g., diagnosis, treatment history, lab results). Med Xpert ServicesPractolyticsSolace

  • Use electronic prior authorization (ePA) tools when available—they’re vastly faster than fax or phone. PractolyticsMBW RCMSolace

  • Monitor and follow up proactively—checking in within 2 business days can prevent stalls. American Academy of DermatologySolaceHealthPartners

  • Flag urgent requests clearly to prompt faster handling by payers. SolaceInvestopedia

5. What Prospect Healthcare Solutions Offers

At Prospect Healthcare Solutions, we streamline your PA process with:

  • Expert documentation preparation to ensure completeness and accuracy from the start.

  • ePA system integration, reducing manual work and accelerating decisions.

  • Consistent follow-up on pending requests to prevent unnecessary delays.

  • Guidance through appeals, supported by timely appeals with strong clinical justification.

Conclusion

So, how long does prior authorization take for medication?

  • Standard: 1–5 business days

  • Complex/specialty cases: 5–10 business days or more

  • Urgent: Within 24–72 hours

  • Appeals: May add several weeks

With Prospect Healthcare Solutions by your side, your PA process becomes smoother, faster, and more efficient. Let us help reduce treatment delays—contact us today to learn how we can support your practice.

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Last Update: August 11, 2025