One major professional group of anesthesiologists is calling for immediate reversal of the “unprecedented move,” saying it’s egregious and uninformed.Starting in February, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield insurance representing Connecticut, New York and Missouri will deny any claims for anesthesia services that exceed specific time limits that have been set for surgeries and procedures.
It would be extremely difficult for anesthesiologists to bill for unnecessary time, especially in operating room settings where many detailed time stamps are recorded and with the help of automated electronic health records, experts say.