Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has reversed its decision to cap anesthesia coverage in Connecticut, Missouri, and New York following widespread criticism and intervention from state officials. The proposed policy would have limited coverage based on predetermined anesthesia times, potentially compromising patient care. The American Society of Anesthesiologists and state leaders expressed strong opposition, leading to Anthem's decision to maintain full coverage for medically necessary anesthesia services.
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.
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.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield will implement a policy capping anesthesia coverage at predetermined time limits for surgeries in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri, effective February 1, 2025. This change, criticized by the American Society of Anesthesiologists and Senator Chris Murphy, excludes patients under 22 and maternity care. Patients exceeding the time limit will face out-of-pocket costs, though they can dispute claims. The policy aims to adjust how billed time is evaluated, sparking concerns over potential surprise medical debts.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has issued a warning advising patients taking weight loss drugs like Wegovy and Ozempic to withhold their use prior to surgery. These medications, which help control blood sugar levels in adults with diabetes, can slow gastric emptying and increase the risk of complications during anesthesia. Patients are urged to disclose their medication use to their healthcare providers and consider delaying their procedure if experiencing gastrointestinal symptoms. The ASA recommends that patients on these drugs should not take their dose on the day of surgery or the week prior to the procedure. Further research is needed to understand the interaction between these drugs and anesthesia.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has advised patients taking diabetes and weight loss drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro to temporarily stop taking them before elective surgery due to potential complications. Anecdotal reports suggest that these drugs may increase the risk of vomiting and aspirating food into the lungs during anesthesia or sedation. The drugs belong to a class known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which can delay stomach emptying and reduce hunger. Patients experiencing gastric side effects while taking these drugs are more likely to have residual food in their stomach. The ASA recommends skipping treatment on the day of surgery for daily users and stopping treatment a week before surgery for weekly users. Further research is needed to assess the risks of these treatments during surgery.
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has advised patients taking diabetes and weight loss drugs such as Ozempic, Wegovy, and Mounjaro to temporarily stop taking them before elective surgery due to potential complications. Anecdotal reports suggest that these drugs may increase the risk of vomiting and aspirating food into the lungs during anesthesia or sedation. The drugs belong to a class known as GLP-1 receptor agonists, which can delay stomach emptying and reduce hunger. Patients experiencing gastric side effects while taking these drugs are more likely to have residual food in their stomach. The ASA recommends skipping treatment on the day of surgery for daily users and stopping treatment a week before surgery for weekly users. Further research is needed to assess the risks of these treatments during surgery.
