Recently a Doctor Peter, MD, donned a blonde surfer style wig and his best California surfer accent to reenact his first time having to call in a prior authorization. A prior authorization is often needed when a doctor prescribes a medication that the insurance company deems unnecessary. No, the insurance companies are not doctors nor are they the patient needing the medication but they have a list of approved medications they're willing to cover. If the medication you're prescribed isn't on their list, it sets of a frustrating chain of events.