Anthem Reverses Anesthesia Time Limit Policy Amid Backlash

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield announced a new policy to limit the time it will pay for anesthesia during surgeries in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri, sparking backlash from the American Society of Anesthesiologists and state officials. The policy, intended to prevent overbilling, was halted in New York and Connecticut after public outcry. Critics argue that surgery duration is determined by the surgeon, not the anesthesiologist, and question the insurer's use of CMS data to set time limits.