🤖 The AutoAuth Solution

AutoAuth revolutionizes the Prior Authorization (PA) process by integrating cutting-edge AI, advanced Large Language Models (LLMs), and intelligent retrieval systems. This approach minimizes manual workload, accelerates decision-making, and enhances accuracy, all while complying with emerging regulations like CMS 2026 standards.

Solution Diagram

Core Methodology

  1. Data Extraction & Structuring
    • Use LLM-powered Optical Character Recognition (OCR) and Azure Document Intelligence to convert unstructured data (e.g., PDFs, clinical notes) into structured JSON.
    • Extract clinical entities like ICD-10 codes, lab results, and physician notes for precise policy matching.
  2. Policy Matching & Hybrid Retrieval
    • Employ a hybrid approach combining vector-based semantic search and BM25 lexical search via Azure Cognitive Search.
    • Dynamically rank and retrieve policy documents that align with case-specific clinical data.
  3. Reasoning & Decision Support
    • Use Azure OpenAI models to assess policies and recommend decisions (Approve, Deny, or Request Additional Information).
    • Leverage Semantic Kernel to orchestrate retrieval, reasoning, and decision-making workflows.

Enhanced Capabilities

  • LLMOps with AI Studio
    • Continuous monitoring, evaluation, and improvement of model performance ensure reliability and scalability.
    • Fine-tuned prompts reduce hallucinations and align outcomes with regulatory and clinical guidelines.
  • Agentic Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG)
    • Incorporates agentic pipelines for robust policy matching and reasoning processes.
    • Flag missing data or partially met criteria, ensuring decisions are grounded in complete information.
  • Transparency & Compliance
    • Outputs detailed rationale for each decision, improving auditability and fostering trust between payors and providers.
  • Scalable & Configurable Architecture
    • Deploy quickly with Azure Bicep templates.
    • Modular design ensures easy integration with existing systems and future-ready capabilities.

Key Advantages of AutoAuth

Faster Decision-Making

  • Reduces PA turnaround times from days to hours, improving provider and patient satisfaction.

Improved Accuracy

  • AI reduces manual errors by up to 75%, ensuring consistent and compliant decisions.

Cost Savings

  • Automation cuts processing costs by 40% in high-volume cases, enabling significant operational efficiency for payors.

Patient-Centered Workflow

  • Reduces treatment delays, addressing critical healthcare bottlenecks and enhancing patient outcomes.

Phase-by-Phase Workflow

Phase 1: Data Extraction & Structuring

  • Converts unstructured data into structured, interoperable formats.
  • Identifies key clinical entities like ICD-10 codes, lab results, and physician notes.

Phase 2: Policy Matching & Hybrid Retrieval

  • Combines semantic vector-based and lexical search for high-accuracy policy retrieval.
  • Dynamically ranks policies based on similarity scores for case alignment.

Phase 3: Advanced Reasoning & Decision Support

  • Evaluates compliance with policy criteria using advanced reasoning models.
  • Generates transparent decisions with detailed rationales for providers and payors.

CMS 2026 Alignment

AutoAuth is built to align with CMS regulations by enabling:

  • Real-Time Data Exchange: Integration with APIs based on HL7 FHIR standards ensures timely responses.
  • Transparency in Decision-Making: Outputs include clear reasons for approval or denial, fostering trust and reducing disputes.

Technical Highlights

  • Azure OpenAI Service: Models like ‘o1` enable industry-leading context-rich reasoning.
  • Azure Cognitive Search: Hybrid search architecture ensures precise policy matching.
  • Semantic Kernel Integration: Orchestrates multi-step retrieval and decision workflows.
  • Azure Document Intelligence: High-fidelity OCR for unstructured clinical data.

By uniting these components, AutoAuth transforms PA into a faster, more efficient, and patient-centered workflow.

References

  1. American Medical Association
  2. Sagility Health
  3. McKinsey AI Insights