Doctors are raising alarm about insurance company's plan to put time limit on coverage for anesthesia during surgery

Insurance Policy Changes Spark Concern Among Anesthesiologists #

An insurance company plans to limit anesthesia coverage during surgeries and procedures. Starting in February, the insurer will deny claims for anesthesia exceeding set time limits in Connecticut, New York, and Missouri. The company aims to reduce overbilling and make healthcare more affordable, using industry standards to determine surgery durations. Maternity and pediatric services are exempt due to variable time needs.

However, anesthesiologists warn that the policy threatens patient care by imposing arbitrary time constraints. They argue that additional anesthesia time often ensures patient safety, addressing complications like airway security or physiological changes. Experts highlight the difficulty in overbilling in detailed-operating settings, questioning the policy’s necessity.

The policy may cause strain on providers, requiring them to dispute claims for longer procedures, complicating healthcare delivery and potentially increasing costs. Anesthesiologists emphasize the importance of comprehensive care, stressing that efficiency cannot be achieved by reducing anesthesia time alone. The changes risk undermining patient trust and increasing the likelihood of adverse events, as anesthesiologists face added pressure to meet imposed time limits.