Overcoming Prior Authorizations: Janelle Ball Shares Strategies for Streamlining Dermatology Workflows

Successfully navigating insurance authorizations can mean the difference between access to treatment and delays for dermatology patients. At the 2025 Society of Dermatology Physician Associates (SDPA) Annual Summer Dermatology Conference in Washington, DC, Janelle Ball, founder and CEO of BC Educators, delivered a solutions-focused session titled, “Navigating Insurance Authorizations.”

In an interview at the meeting, Ball unpacked the most common hurdles dermatology teams face and how PAs can lead the charge in building a more efficient and patient-centered authorization process. BC Educators specializes in training programs and tools that help dermatology practices develop consistent, effective workflows around authorizations, billing, and more.

Disorganization Is the #1 Barrier

According to Ball, the biggest mistake practices make is lacking a clear, unified process for handling prior authorizations.

“I would say the biggest challenge is really just not having a process set up,” Ball said, “and just kind of having everybody working on the prior authorizations.”

This scattered approach can lead to confusion, redundancy, and delays that directly affect patient care. Without defined roles or workflows, even simple tasks can become challenging.

“If you're having multiple hands in the pot, it kind of slows the process down a lot,” she explained. “If you have a dedicated person that can help manage and streamline the workflow, it can really help make sure patients are able to get on medications a lot faster.”

One of the key takeaways from Ball’s session was the value of assigning a dedicated team member to oversee the process from start to finish. This individual should be trained not only in submitting authorizations but also in how to handle denials, appeals, and peer-to-peer requests with payers.

Supporting Patients Through the Frustration

While insurance logistics are mostly handled behind the scenes, Ball reminded attendees that patients are often left in the dark, especially when there are delays or denials.

“Most of the time, patients forget most of what was told to them in that office visit,” Ball said. “So you want to make sure that when they're leaving, they know where to get those questions answered.”

One of the most effective ways to support patients is to send them home with a resource or a reliable point of contact: someone they can reach out to with questions about their approval status.

“A lot of the manufacturer companies have nurses that can help educate the patient,” she said.

Ball suggested that dermatology practices leverage manufacturer hub services when possible, as they often offer patient education and medication access support. Ensuring that patients have this information, along with realistic expectations for timelines and next steps, can go a long way in keeping them engaged and compliant with their treatment plan.

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