More insurances require pre-authorization for imaging tests. This may lead to an increase in ER visits to avoid the additional paperwork:

However, Dr. David Olson, a family practice physician in Brookfield and past president of the Medical Society of Milwaukee County, said he hopes insurers will find another solution instead of requiring prior approval. The process will require more of physicians’ time and could result in doctors sending patients to the emergency room to avoid the process, he said. If other insurers make the requirement, the process would get even more complicated, he said.

Another question: Are these radiologists – who are often not familiar with the case – willing to take the fall in many malpractice suits resulting from their denials? I didn’t think so.