New findings from healthcare consulting and technology company D2 Solutions indicate that medication access delays are influencing whether patients initiate prescribed therapies, with confusion and administrative hurdles emerging as key barriers. Based on a survey of 1,000 U.S. adults aged 25 and older, 21% reported postponing the start of a medication, underscoring how access-related issues are directly affecting treatment initiation.
The research highlights the role of insurance processes in shaping patient experiences. Nearly half of respondents said their prescriptions required prior authorization, while 22% noted that approvals took longer than expected. As a result, early-stage treatment experiences remain challenging. Only 20% of patients described their most recent medication start as “strong,” whereas 47% reported negative emotions such as anxiety, confusion or feeling “in limbo.” These findings reinforce how medication access delays are not limited to administrative inefficiencies but extend into patient sentiment and engagement at the outset of therapy.
“Access challenges aren’t just paperwork hurdles; they lead to delays, uncertainty and missed opportunities to start therapy,” said Dean Erhardt, President and CEO of D2 Solutions. “When communication breaks down or processes stall, patients are more likely to disengage before treatment even begins. That has real implications for adherence and outcomes across the healthcare system.”
Survey responses further show that access barriers are actively altering patient behaviour. Around 21% delayed starting a prescribed medication due to confusion or access issues, while 11% did not collect their medication from the pharmacy. Additionally, 12% reported skipping doses and 8% discontinued treatment earlier than planned. Another 11% said they had asked their doctor about switching medications. Younger adults appear more vulnerable to these disruptions, with Millennials more than twice as likely as Baby Boomers to delay treatment initiation, as well as more likely to skip doses or stop therapy early.
The findings also reveal coordination gaps across the healthcare ecosystem, where patients must navigate interactions between providers, pharmacies, insurers and support programmes with limited guidance. Many respondents cited delays at provider offices, pharmacy-related issues and difficulty understanding next steps. Notably, 38% said they received little or no communication while waiting for their medication. Awareness and use of support programmes remain low, with 46% unaware of manufacturer support programmes and only 15% reporting participation.
The early phase of the treatment journey, covering access, approval and onboarding, continues to represent a critical engagement window. When this stage is delayed or unclear, patients are more likely to postpone, interrupt or discontinue therapy. While policymakers and industry stakeholders are working to streamline prior authorization and reduce administrative burdens, the data suggests that improvements have yet to significantly enhance patient experience.
“Patient access gaps suggest that improving communication and coordination across stakeholders can help reduce delays and support patients in starting and staying on therapy as prescribed,” said Erhardt. “Access remains a serious barrier for many Americans. Improving medication starts is the key to accelerating patient access, improving adherence and driving better clinical outcomes.”
