Anthem Reverses Controversial Anesthesia Coverage Limits
TL;DR
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield plans to limit the time it covers for anesthesia during surgeries, sparking outrage from the medical community. Starting February, the insurer will deny claims if anesthesia exceeds the time it deems appropriate, based on CMS Physician Work Time values. The American Society of Anesthesiologists criticized the move, arguing it prioritizes profits over patient care and could compromise safety. Anthem's policy excludes patients under 22 and maternity-related care. The insurer has not commented on the backlash.
Topics:top-newshealth#american-society-of-anesthesiologists#anesthesia#anthem#health#health-insurance#policy-change
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield to impose limits on surgical anesthesia, horrifying doctors: ‘Appalling’ New York Post
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield calls off decision to cap anesthesia for surgical patients Axios
- Anthem backtracks on anesthesiology cap policy in CT Eyewitness News 3
- Anthem plans to put time limits on anesthesia coverage, alarming doctors NPR
- Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield wants time limits on anesthesia for surgeries NBC News
Want the full story? Read the original reporting
Read on New York Post