Feb 3 (Reuters) - Cigna ( CI ) will roll out measures to

simplify the process for physicians to submit claims and prior

authorization requests, the U.S. health insurer said on Monday.

The killing of Brian Thompson, the head of UnitedHealth's ( UNH )

insurance unit, has sparked a conversation on social

media about frustrations with navigating the complex U.S. health

insurance system, particularly regarding medical care denials or

requests being denied.

One of the most common reasons for a delayed prior

authorization decision is incomplete information in the initial

submission, Cigna's ( CI ) health benefits unit said.

The company will expand the digital communication options

for physicians, including through its provider portal or

directly through the electronic medical record, which offers an

easier way to submit all the needed information the first time.

UnitedHealth ( UNH ) said last month it would work with policymakers

to reduce the frequency of prior authorization approvals

required before a patient can access medical treatment in its

Medicare business for people age 65 and older or with

disabilities.

(Reporting by Sriparna Roy in Bengaluru; Editing by Mrigank

Dhaniwala and Sriraj Kalluvila)