Utilizing ChatGPT to Streamline the Generation of Prior Authorization Letters and Enhance Clerical Workflow in Orthopedic Surgery Practice: A Case Report

Cureus. 2023 Nov 29;15(11):e49680. doi: 10.7759/cureus.49680. eCollection 2023 Nov.

Abstract

Prior authorization is a cumbersome process that requires clinicians to create an individualized letter that includes detailed information about the patient's medical condition, proposed treatment plan, and any supplemental information required to obtain approval from a patient's insurance company before any services or procedures may be provided to the patient. However, drafting authorization letters is time-consuming clerical work that not only places an increased administrative burden on orthopedic surgeons and office staff but also concurrently takes time away from patient care. Therefore, there is a need to improve this process by streamlining workflows for healthcare providers in order to prioritize direct patient care. In this report, we present a case utilizing OpenAI's ChatGPT (OpenAI, L.L.C., San Francisco, CA, USA) to draft a prior authorization request letter for the use of matrix-induced autologous chondrocyte implantation to treat a cartilage injury of the knee.

Keywords: artificial intelligence in healthcare; authorization letter; chatgpt; clerical workflow; orthopedic surgery.

Publication types

  • Case Reports