ASA Applauds AzSA Leadership in Opposing Dangerous Insurer Bill

Today, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) commended the Arizona Society of Anesthesiologists (AzSA) for their successful effort to block an amendment to Arizona House Bill 2211 that would have labeled as “unprofessional conduct” any independent dispute resolution offer exceeding 300% of Medicare rates or 300% of the often questionable insurer calculated QPA, exposing physicians and other clinicians to potential disciplinary action.

Recognizing the broad threat, AzSA organized and unified leading healthcare organizations in opposition, including:

• Arizona Medical Association
• Arizona Osteopathic Medical Association
• Arizona College of Emergency Physicians
• Arizona Hospital and Healthcare Association
• And interested nursing groups

The coalition warned: “Bypassing federal law and threatening healthcare providers’ licenses to further advantage a health insurer’s negotiating position during arbitration is absolutely unacceptable and should be rejected by the Legislature.” No vote was held on the amendment, and the bill was held in committee.

AzSA’s leadership and swift coordination were key to halting this harmful proposal.  ASA commends the AZSA, their physician leaders and members for defending Arizona anesthesiologists and the state’s healthcare professionals from insurer-driven overreach. Learn more about ASA resources on surprise billing.