All posts
All posts
The intelligent automation will deliver more timely decisions that reduce delays and improve access to care, Optum says
February 9, 2026
Optum is introducing AI-powered prior authorization.
Optum said the intelligent automation solution delivers timely decisions for providers to reduce delays, speed approvals and reduce repetitive work.
Allina Health will be one of the first to deploy this new solution, Optum said. Allina Health is a nonprofit healthcare system based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that owns or operates 12 hospitals.
WHY THIS MATTERS
The new system touts 45% manual touches, a 56% reduction in review time, 80% greater documentation bundling efficiency and a 96% first-pass approval rate.
Providers can submit requests through Digital Auth Complete by Humata Health, a physician-led AI startup. The AI-enabled authorization features can be embedded directly into the EHR. The system gathers required materials, applies payer rules and submits requests automatically, Optum said.
Read the full article in Healthcare Finance here.
