Prior Authorization Challenges in Medical Affairs and How MSLs Can Improve Access Through Scientific Clarity

Published 3 August 2026

Navigating the Challenges of Prior Authorization in Medical Affairs

Introduction

Prior authorization (PA) remains one of the most persistent access barriers in modern healthcare. For patients, it can delay initiation or continuation of clinically appropriate therapies. For healthcare providers (HCPs), it creates administrative burden, disrupts workflows, and may contribute to treatment abandonment. For life sciences organizations, PA-related friction can limit real-world adoption of evidence-based therapies, even when the clinical rationale is strong and the product is appropriately prescribed.

Medical affairs professionals and Medical Science Liaisons (MSLs) do not “manage” prior authorization in the same way that reimbursement, patient services, market access, or hub teams may support access operations. However, medical affairs plays a critical role in ensuring that external stakeholders understand the scientific evidence, appropriate patient populations, disease burden, treatment guidelines, and clinical rationale that may inform coverage and utilization decisions.

This review explores the multifaceted challenges of prior authorization and outlines practical, compliant approaches medical affairs teams can use to support scientific exchange, improve stakeholder understanding, and contribute to more efficient, evidence-based access discussions.