UnitedHealth Group (UNH) said Friday it is removing nearly two-thirds of the authorization requirements for members under 18 years old by year-end to simplify the healthcare system for providers and patients.

The company said it is eliminating prior authorizations for many diagnostic services, routine surgical procedures and specialty care services for pediatric subspecialties like cardiology, neurology, pulmonology and orthopedics.

UnitedHealth said it will also introduce authorization waivers for a number of procedures at certain pediatric hospitals as it reviews all previous requirements, noting that the changes will apply to its commercial and Medicaid plans.