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On August 22, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) sent a formal communication to health insurance provider Anthem in support of their recent policy change on the coverage of monitored anesthesia services in conjunction with interventional pain procedures.
Announced in Anthem’s June 1 newsletter, ASA is supportive of this policy change as it aligns with the ASA’s Statement on Anesthetic Care during Interventional Pain Procedures for Adults. Requiring timely prior authorization for certain anesthesia services encourages appropriate use based on medical necessity.
ASA recognizes not every patient undergoing a pain procedure requires sedation services. ASA is committed to preserving patient-level decision making through the documentation of the medical necessity of sedation services. Prior authorization of these services should be processed in a timely manner to ensure patient care is not delayed and to minimize the burden on clinicians and their practices.
ASA believes patients should have access to anesthesia services when medically appropriate as well as a streamlined, low-burden prior authorization process that does not delay patient care or access.
Read the formal communication.
