R1, the leader in healthcare revenue management, announced the launch of R1 Prior Authorization, a comprehensive solution designed to automate and streamline the prior authorization process at scale. Built on years of operational experience and powered by the Phare Operating System, R1 Prior Authorization is delivering measurable results for providers with 68 per cent of all orders cleared in one hour and nearly 97 per cent in one day, with an average auth-related denial rate of less than 1 per cent. The result is faster approvals, lower costs and improved access to care – outcomes that are difficult to achieve with traditional approaches.

Prior authorization remains one of healthcare’s most significant administrative burdens, costing the industry an estimated $35 billion annually and causing 92 per cent of care delays. As providers face growing pressure to move faster, lower costs and modernise authorization workflows – particularly as regulatory changes like the Prior Authorization Final Rule and WISeR are enforced – R1 Prior Authorization delivers a proven, enterprise-scale model built on years of experience supporting providers nationwide. Today, R1 processes approximately 39 million orders annually and has more than 1,600 dedicated experts who ensure accuracy and accountability. For providers, this means meaningful cost reduction in an industry where the average cost can range from $35 to $50 per authorization.

Powered by Phare Access – the smart patient access hub of R1’s Phare Operating System – R1 Prior Authorization manages the full authorization lifecycle through a comprehensive three-step process: (1) determination, (2) submission, and (3) completion.

The solution intelligently identifies when an authorization is required, submits complete requests with the right documentation, and proactively tracks decisions, ensuring that the authorization decision is reflected in the EHR. This three-step model applies real-time payer intelligence and automation at scale, with expert oversight where needed, helping to improve timely access to patient care across inpatient and outpatient service lines with all payers in scope.