All articles tagged with #colonoscopies
Dr. Roach discusses the risks and benefits of repeat colonoscopies for a 78-year-old man with a history of adenoma, suggesting that most healthy 82-year-olds with such history should consider another screening, as the benefits outweigh the risks, and also explains when to worry about a fever and how body temperature varies among individuals.
A recent study suggests that using smartphones on the toilet may increase the risk of hemorrhoids, with two-thirds of surveyed patients reporting such habits and a 46% higher risk observed among smartphone users. Doctors warn that this common behavior could have health implications.
Blue Cross Blue Shield of Massachusetts has decided to halt a controversial policy to restrict the use of anesthesia during colonoscopies after facing backlash from doctors and concerns about patient discomfort. The policy, which took effect on Jan. 1, drew outrage from medical professionals who argued that it could deter patients from undergoing the potentially life-saving procedure. The company's chief medical officer stated that the decision to pause enforcement of the policy was made due to confusion and the goal is to ensure that patients receive the appropriate level of sedation. The use of anesthesia during colonoscopies has been a point of contention, with doctors and patients preferring it for more efficient and higher-quality exams, while the insurance company had argued that many patients can safely undergo the procedure with moderate sedation.
UnitedHealthcare has shifted its approach to endoscopy services, including colonoscopies, from "prior authorization" to "advance notification." The new requirement involves providers submitting patient data to UnitedHealthcare before performing a procedure. Providers who submit advance notifications will be eligible for UnitedHealthcare's Gold Card program, which will eliminate prior authorization requirements for most procedures. The change comes after criticism from medical groups about the prior authorization plan, which could have delayed urgent procedures. Some groups have expressed concern about the "advance notification" process, which they say could create significant administrative and resource burdens for physicians and medical staff.
UnitedHealthcare has shifted its controversial "prior authorization" requirement for non-screening colonoscopies and other gastroenterology endoscopy services to an "advance notification" process. Providers must collect and submit patient data to UnitedHealthcare before performing a procedure to be eligible for the insurer's Gold Card program, which will eliminate prior authorization requirements for most procedures. The prior authorization plan received criticism from the medical community, and some groups have expressed concern about the "advance notification" process.