60% of Providers Expect Lower Burden, CVS Aetna Hits 95% Prior Auth Approval
CVS-owned Aetna’s inaugural provider survey finds 60% of US providers expect health care administrative burden to ease over five years and 52% believe AI will simplify processes. Aetna reports more than 95% of prior authorizations approved within 24 hours and targets over 80% real-time electronic authorizations by 2026.
1. Survey Findings
The inaugural Aetna Provider Survey polled 827 US providers and found 60% believe administrative burden will decrease over the next five years, with an average provider-payer trust score above 50%. While 44% say payers prioritize patient well-being and clarity, only 36% feel payers consistently deliver on promises, and providers urge better patient navigation support.
2. Prior Authorization Performance
Aetna leads the industry by subjecting the fewest medical services to prior authorization, approving over 95% of requests within 24 hours. The company aims to execute more than 80% of electronic prior authorizations in real-time by the end of 2026, reducing delays and administrative friction.
3. AI and Technology Initiatives
More than half of providers (52%) express confidence that AI will simplify and accelerate administrative tasks, and 87% foresee technology driving better health outcomes. Aetna has automated over one million provider calls focused on prior authorization status in 2025 and offers Aetna Care Paths on its Health app for personalized care guidance.
4. Future Outlook
Providers expect access to care to become more equitable, with 57% anticipating improvements over five years and 76% ranking technology as a top-three investment priority. The survey indicates strong momentum for digital tools to deepen trust and streamline the provider-payer relationship.