US Medical Term · administration
Prior Authorization
Autorización Previa
In 9 languages
| Language | Term |
|---|---|
| English | Prior Authorization |
| Spanish (Español) | Autorización Previa |
| Chinese (中文) | 预授权 |
| Korean (한국어) | 사전 승인 |
| Vietnamese (Tiếng Việt) | Ủy quyền trước |
| Filipino (Tagalog) | Prior Authorization |
| Portuguese (Português) | Autorização Prévia |
| Thai (ภาษาไทย) | การอนุมัติล่วงหน้า |
| Japanese (日本語) | 事前承認 |
What it means
Prior authorization (PA) is approval from your insurance company required before you receive certain medical services, medications, or procedures. Without it, the insurer may deny the claim or pay a reduced amount. Common services requiring PA include surgery, MRI/CT scans, brand-name drugs, specialist visits under some plans, and durable medical equipment. The requesting provider submits clinical justification; approval decisions are typically required within set timeframes under state law.
How to say it
Sentences a patient might use with a doctor, nurse, pharmacist, or insurer:
My insurer requires prior authorization before they will approve the MRI scheduled for next week.
Mi aseguradora requiere autorización previa antes de aprobar la resonancia magnética programada para la próxima semana.
The pharmacist said my medication needs prior authorization from my insurance before it can be filled.
El farmacéutico dijo que mi medicamento necesita autorización previa de mi seguro antes de ser dispensado.
Can my doctor appeal the prior authorization denial for my knee surgery to the insurance company?
¿Puede mi médico apelar la negación de autorización previa para mi cirugía de rodilla ante la aseguradora?
Where you'll see it
Related terms
Related guide
→ US Guide: prior authorization and referralsSources
Last reviewed: September 2026