Highmark and Abridge Fast-Track Care

Highmark and Abridge team up to use real-time Al for faster prior authorizations, aiming to reduce delays and ease provider burden.

22 Aug 2025

Highmark Health has joined with health technology company Abridge to use artificial intelligence in speeding up prior authorization, one of the most time-consuming processes in US healthcare.

Prior authorization, when insurers review and approve treatments before care begins, is widely regarded as a leading source of administrative burden. Doctors often spend hours filling out forms and following up with insurers, while patients can face weeks of uncertainty over whether treatment will be covered.

Abridge, which specialises in converting doctor–patient conversations into structured clinical records, is integrating its platform with Highmark’s coverage rules. The companies said the system could, during a consultation, create documentation and check whether a treatment meets insurance criteria, potentially providing an immediate decision.

Executives said the initiative aims to reduce delays, cut stress for patients and providers, and improve outcomes. The American Medical Association has warned that authorization rules frequently hold up care and add unnecessary costs. A 2022 survey by the Medical Group Management Association found that nearly nine in ten practices reported rising authorization demands, stretching staff resources.

Highmark described the collaboration as a model for how payers and technology groups can align to reduce friction in healthcare delivery. The companies stressed that physicians would remain in charge of decisions, with human oversight included in the process to safeguard accuracy and fairness.

If the system proves effective, it could mark a shift in the role of AI in healthcare, moving from back-office tasks to real-time support for clinical workflows. Other health systems may follow suit as they look for ways to curb administrative pressure and accelerate access to care.