US Medical Term · administration
Prior Auth (Authorization)
Autorización Previa
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Prior Auth (Authorization) |
| Spanish (Español) | Autorización Previa |
| Chinese (中文) | 事先授权 |
| Korean (한국어) | 사전 승인 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Ủy quyền trước |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Prior Auth |
| Portuguese (Português) | Autorização Prévia |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การอนุมัติล่วงหน้า |
| Japanese (日本語) | 事前承認（Prior Auth） |
What it means
Prior auth is the shortened term for prior authorization, the insurer approval required before receiving certain medical services or medications. The terms are interchangeable. Without prior auth, the insurer may deny the claim or require the patient to pay full cost. Obtaining prior auth is the provider's responsibility in most cases, though patients can check with their insurer to confirm it has been obtained before a scheduled procedure. Prior auth decisions must meet federally mandated timeframes.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My doctor submitted a prior auth request for the MRI, but we are waiting on approval.
Mi médico presentó una solicitud de autorización previa para la resonancia magnética, pero estamos esperando la aprobación.
The insurer denied the prior auth, so my doctor is filing an appeal.
El asegurador rechazó la autorización previa, así que mi médico está presentando una apelación.
How long does it typically take to get a prior auth decision for this procedure?
¿Cuánto tiempo suele tardar en obtenerse una decisión de autorización previa para este procedimiento?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Related guide
→ US Guide: prior authorization and referralsSources
Last reviewed: September 2026