The article shares 50 stories of people who unexpectedly woke up during surgery, experiencing everything from feeling pain and seeing the procedure to panicking and even trying to communicate their awareness, highlighting the unpredictability and sometimes humorous or terrifying moments in medical procedures.
In response to a controversial, now-reversed policy by Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield that would have limited anesthesia coverage, Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) has introduced the "Anesthesia For All Act" to prevent such caps in the future. This legislative move comes amid heightened scrutiny of health insurance practices following the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, which sparked social media debates over healthcare costs. The bill aims to prohibit insurers from imposing arbitrary time limits on anesthesia reimbursement and mandates audits to ensure compliance.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has reversed its decision to impose time limits on anesthesia coverage in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri after facing significant backlash from medical professionals and public officials. The proposed policy, which was set to take effect in 2025, would have denied claims for anesthesia services exceeding a certain duration, sparking criticism for potentially compromising patient safety. Anthem cited "significant widespread misinformation" as the reason for the reversal, emphasizing that it never intended to deny medically necessary anesthesia services.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has reversed its decision to impose a time limit on anesthesia coverage after public backlash. The policy, which was set to take effect in February, faced criticism for potentially denying payment for necessary anesthesia care. The reversal follows widespread outrage and discussions about the healthcare system, intensified by the recent targeted killing of UnitedHealthcare's CEO, Brian Thompson. Anthem cited "misinformation" and unclear communication as reasons for retracting the policy.
A Reddit thread reveals surgeons and medical professionals sharing their most intense 'oh crap' moments during surgeries and medical procedures. Stories range from a patient vomiting during a corneal transplant to a nurse holding a patient's bleeding penis for over an hour, and a patient waking up mid-surgery due to insufficient anesthesia. These anecdotes highlight the high-stakes and unpredictable nature of medical work, where quick thinking and adaptability are crucial.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has reversed a controversial policy that would have restricted the duration of anesthesia coverage for certain medical procedures. This decision comes after backlash from healthcare providers and patients who argued that the policy could compromise patient safety and care quality. The reversal ensures that anesthesia coverage will continue to be determined based on medical necessity rather than predetermined time limits.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield faced backlash after announcing a policy to limit anesthesia coverage during surgeries, leading to a partial reversal in Connecticut. The policy, criticized by medical professionals and public officials, was seen as a cost-cutting measure at the expense of patient care. The controversy arose amid heightened scrutiny of the insurance industry following the assassination of UnitedHealth Group CEO Brian Thompson. Anthem claimed the policy aimed to simplify healthcare and ensure accurate claims, but it was widely condemned as dangerous and profit-driven.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has reversed its decision to limit anesthesia coverage for surgeries exceeding a certain time, following public backlash and intervention from officials in Connecticut and New York. The policy, which was based on metrics from the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services, faced criticism for potentially leaving patients financially responsible for necessary care. The reversal highlights the intense scrutiny and public anger towards controversial insurance policies, especially in the wake of the murder of UnitedHealthcare CEO Brian Thompson, which has intensified discussions on the impact of such decisions.
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 has decided not to implement a policy that would limit coverage for anesthesia if surgeries exceeded a certain time, following pressure from Connecticut officials and medical groups. The policy, initially set to start in 2025, faced criticism for potentially leaving patients to pay out-of-pocket for extended procedures. Anthem clarified that the policy was meant to align with clinical guidelines and assured that medically necessary anesthesia services would always be covered. The decision was welcomed by state officials and medical associations.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield will limit coverage for anesthesia during surgeries in New York, Missouri, and Connecticut starting February 2025, using CMS Physician Work Time values to determine coverage duration. This decision, excluding those under 22 and maternity care, has sparked backlash from the American Society of Anesthesiologists and government officials, who argue it prioritizes profits over patient care. Anthem's policy allows for claim disputes, but critics demand its reversal, citing potential financial burdens on patients.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield plans to impose time limits on anesthesia coverage in certain states, sparking backlash from doctors and policymakers. The policy, set to start in February, will use CMS metrics to cap reimbursement for anesthesia services exceeding a set duration, exempting maternity and patients under 22. Critics, including the American Society of Anesthesiologists, argue it prioritizes profits over patient care, potentially leaving patients with high out-of-pocket costs. Elected officials are urging Anthem to reverse the decision, citing risks to patient safety and financial burdens.
Anesthesiologists are criticizing Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's plan to impose time limits on anesthesia coverage during surgeries, arguing it could compromise patient care. Starting February, Anthem will deny claims exceeding set time limits in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri, aiming to reduce overbilling. The American Society of Anesthesiologists calls the policy arbitrary and harmful, emphasizing that anesthesia time varies greatly depending on the procedure and patient needs. Anthem claims the policy aligns with industry standards, but critics argue it misunderstands operating room dynamics and could increase healthcare costs.
Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has reversed its decision to cap anesthesia coverage based on time limits for patients in Connecticut and New York, following criticism from the American Society of Anesthesiologists and public figures like Sen. Chris Murphy. The policy, initially set to start in 2025, would have required patients to pay out-of-pocket if anesthesia exceeded pre-determined time limits, except for those under 22 or for maternity care. Anthem has stated that policyholders can dispute claim decisions if needed.