Prior authorization is often cited as a major pain point in healthcare—but it doesn’t have to be. In this conversation, Dr. Michelle Gourdine, Chief Medical Officer at CVS Caremark, shares how Caremark is transforming the prior authorization experience through automation, clinical rigor and responsible use of artificial intelligence.

Dr. Gourdine explains why prior authorization remains an important tool for ensuring medications are used safely and appropriately while acknowledging the burden it can place on providers and patients. She details how Caremark has reduced median processing times from hours to minutes, processed millions of requests at scale and proactively renewed approvals to avoid treatment disruptions.

The discussion also explores how AI is being applied in a clinician‑decides model, supporting faster decisions without ever being used to deny care. From specialty drugs to high‑cost therapies like GLP‑1s, Dr. Gourdine outlines how clinical evidence, affordability and patient outcomes guide every decision. The result is a more efficient, transparent approach to prior authorization that keeps care moving forward.