On this episode of the JVRD Author’s Forum podcast, retina specialist Dr. Sabin Dang of the Retina Institute in St. Louis discusses his study, “Economic Impact of Anti–Vascular Endothelial Growth Factor Prior Authorization Process From a Large Electronic Database,” published in JVRD.
Host Dr. Timothy Murray speaks with Dr. Dang about his team’s large database analysis examining the real-world burden of prior authorization for anti-VEGF injections. The study evaluated approval rates, treatment delays, and the broader economic consequences for patients, caregivers, practices, employers, and insurers.
Dr. Dang shares that although 97.7% of prior authorizations were ultimately approved, nearly all approved cases experienced delays — with a median delay of approximately five days — potentially affecting the timely delivery of vision-saving care. The discussion also highlights the growing prevalence of chronic retinal diseases requiring lifelong treatment, the compounding impact of repeated administrative hurdles over time, and the need for data-driven advocacy to support meaningful policy reform that prioritizes timely patient care.
For more information, visit www.ASRS.org/JVRDForum.
Welcome to ASRS’s Journal of Vitreoretinal Diseases (JVRD) Author’s Forum. As the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of the American Society of Retina Specialists (ASRS), JVRD delivers rigorous, clinically meaningful research that informs and advances retina care worldwide. Join Editor-in-Chief Dr. Timothy Murray as he engages leading investigators in thoughtful discussions about the latest studies published in JVRD — highlighting practical insights, clinical pearls, and the real-world impact of emerging innovations in our field.