Medical, Legal, and Regulatory Review: A necessary evil

Let's face it, no one LOVES legal, medical and regulatory review. MLR, MRC, SRC, PRC, no matter what you name it, it's a necessary evil that is hard to manage on both sides. HOWEVER these reviews play an important role (as a wise woman once told me): They keep us from playing in traffic.


Reviewers are often tasked with making sure things are accurate and along the right lines of risk for the company while having to meet deadlines or rush reviews. Decisions can also carry over or affect other materials, and reviewers may even change their minds on a second look (I've been there!)

Those submitting materials have spent countless hours, blood, sweat, and tears (and sometimes a LOT of money) creating materials going through review. It is easy to become married to your messaging and want to keep things the way they are.

So how can we make the best of our reviews and keep each other safe and accurate?

1. Come with a collaborative mindset.
I've seen different groups handle things in VERY different manners. I've seen petty biting, anger, and frustration, while I've also seen collaboration and a "yes, if" mentality. Coming to the table recognizing all the work on both sides helps frame the conversation. Move towards a goal that everyone wins.

2. Start early in the process and plan ahead.
Go through concept reviews or pass possible messaging by the most important people in the group to decrease chances of slow downs at important time points. Content creators: give yourself at least one more review than you'll think you'll need when possible. A buffer can make all the difference. Reviewers that don't feel rushed and feel heard are more likely to help when help is needed the most.

3. Meet the deadlines.
Content creators: recognize your reviewers have other things on their plate. Make it a point to turn in quality materials that are easy to review and don't make reviews a "rush job" unless absolutely necessary.
Reviewers: give your content providers good quality feedback with enough time for them to review prior to meetings, to discuss possible alternatives. Make it a point that your first review of materials is solid, try not to rush and bring up new things in later reviews because they were missed in the first review. Also ask yourself: is this worth fighting for? Is the risk high enough?

4. Have a backup.
Content providers: make sure to have a second person that can help you make changes, notes, etc.
Reviewers: if you are feeling burned out or the workload is too high, have someone who can step in to relieve you.