Utilization management places a heavy administrative burden on providers. In many cases, the immense amount of paperwork can even lead to health care provider burnout.

An article published in the American Journal of Managed Care highlights a national poll of 501 physicians that demonstrates utilization management has serious consequences for providers. Tactics like prior authorization, step therapy and non-medical switching all take up provider resources and can place serious strain on the patient-provider relationship. In many cases, utilization management tactics place a significant role in contributing to physician burnout.

Good policies that limit the harm of utilization management, however, can be a boon for health care providers and protect them from burnout.