Modernizing Healthcare: Prior Authorization, Access, and Equity with Dr. Romilla Batra

12/11/2025 26 min Temporada 1 Episodio 9
Modernizing Healthcare: Prior Authorization, Access, and Equity with Dr. Romilla Batra

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Episode Synopsis

How can healthcare become simpler, faster, and fairer for everyone?In this episode of Sound Track, Dr. Romilla Batra, Senior Vice President and Chief Medical Officer at Premera Blue Cross, joins us to discuss how technology and collaboration are transforming the way patients, providers, and health plans work together.Dr. Batra, a board-certified internist and former chief medical officer at SCAN Health Plan, leads clinical strategy, quality, and equity initiatives that serve over 2.5 million Premera members across the Pacific Northwest.In this episode, we'll explore:Why prior authorization became such a critical topic in healthcare and how it’s being reimaginedThe voluntary AHIP pledge to simplify care approval and reduce delaysHow automation and AI are helping Premera say “yes” faster—20% of authorizations now happen in real timeWhat streamlined systems mean for small businesses and employeesHow these innovations support health equity, reduce costs, and improve outcomesDr. Batra also shares lessons from her 20-year journey in medicine and leadership—from the exam room to the executive suite—and why she believes compassion and evidence must always guide innovation.🎙️ This episode is proudly sponsored by Premera Blue Cross — always in your corner.

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