Step-therapy is a form of prior authorization that reserves the use of more expensive medications...

Step-therapy is a form of prior authorization that reserves the use of more expensive medications for cases in which the use of less expensive medications has been unsuccessful. Step-therapy is appropriate for situations in which

1. A significant percentage of those treated with the initial therapy will require the second therapy

2. The delay created when a patient moves from one therapy to the next therapy will not cause serious or permanent effects