Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield announced a policy change to limit reimbursements for anesthesia during surgeries and medical procedures, triggering outrage from the American Society of Anesthesiologists. The insurer initially planned to reimburse doctors based on time limits starting in February in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri. However, the decision faced backlash and scrutiny following the shooting of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson in New York City, sparking a conversation about the U.S. healthcare system.
After widespread misinformation and criticism, Anthem BCBS decided not to proceed with the policy change. New York Governor Kathy Hochul and Connecticut Comptroller Sean Scanlon both played a role in pushing for the reversal of the policy. The decision to limit reimbursing anesthesia based on time was aimed at preventing potential overbilling, but it raised concerns among medical professionals.
Anthem BCBS cited the use of CMS Physical Work Time values to determine appropriate anesthesia time, a system not found in Medicare or Medicaid. Dr. Donald Arnold of the American Society of Anesthesiologists questioned how these time limits were determined and highlighted the lack of transparency around the data used. Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts also faced a similar backlash for restricting anesthesia during colonoscopies but reversed its decision after opposition from medical associations.
In conclusion, the decision by Anthem BCBS to limit anesthesia reimbursements based on time limits was met with criticism and ultimately reversed due to misinformation and concerns raised by medical professionals and state officials.
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