Pfizer Managed Care Essay Resources
The following resources are provided to help applicants with their essay portion of the AMCP Foundation/Pfizer, Inc. Managed Care Summer Internship application.
2027 Pfizer Managed Care Application Essay Prompt
AI-Supported Prior Authorization in Managed Care: Balancing Access, Oversight, and Innovation
Prior authorization (PA) is an important utilization management tool in managed care pharmacy that promotes clinically appropriate, evidence-based medication use. However, traditional PA processes may also contribute to administrative burden and delays in patients receiving therapy. The use of artificial intelligence (AI) has been identified as a potential tool to streamline prior authorization, improve decision support, and reduce administrative burden.
As health plans and PBMs increasingly consider AI-supported prior authorization processes, stakeholders must determine how these technologies can improve efficiency without compromising clinical judgment, transparency, health equity, or timely access to medically necessary treatment.
You Have Been Asked to Prepare a Briefing for a Health Plan Leadership Team Evaluating the Use of AI in Prior Authorization.
- Evaluate the potential benefits and risks of using AI-assisted prior authorization processes within health plans and PBMs, including implications for medication access, utilization management, and clinical decision-making.
- Analyze how AI-assisted prior authorization could improve efficiency, consistency, and patient access while continuing to promote evidence-based and appropriate medication use.
- Propose safeguards, governance standards, or oversight mechanisms that health plans and PBMs should implement to ensure AI-supported prior authorization is used ethically, transparently, and in a manner that benefits patients.
Deliverables:
- Executive Summary (no more than 250 words)
- Presentation Outline
- 3–5 bullets and no more than 5 sub-bullets
- A fair and balanced review of both the potential advantages and challenges associated with AI-supported prior authorization
Resources:
- AI in Action: Real-World Healthcare AI Deployments [YouTube Video]
- Prior Authorization—AMCP
- Could an Artificial Intelligence Approach to Prior Authorization Be More Human?
- 2024 CMS Interoperability and Prior Authorization Final Rule (CMS-0057-F)
Note:
- Be brief and to the point.
- Include at least 2 references from peer-reviewed literature or reputable policy sources.
- Cite references in APA format.
- Submit as a single PDF document.
- Use of AI: You are to include a statement disclosing your use of AI in the reference section of your essay. Example: I used [AI tool used] to assist with APA citations and the development of my work. I reviewed and verified all sources for accuracy and credibility, refined the content, and revised the structure and wording to reflect my own understanding. The final submission represents a combination of my work and AI-assisted support.