ASA and Partners Applaud Hard Fought Improvements to NSA IDR Process

Today, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), alongside the American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the American College of Radiology (ACR), is applauding the release of the final Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) Operations Rule as a major step forward in strengthening implementation of the No Surprises Act and in reining in insurance company gaming of the system.

The rule includes several key reforms that ASA has long advocated for, including expanded batching of claims, improved transparency requirements, standardized insurer communications, and enhanced tools to streamline dispute resolution. These changes are designed to make the federal IDR process more efficient, accessible, and accountable for physicians while preserving the law’s critical patient protections.

ASA worked with ACEP, ACR and other stakeholders in securing these improvements through years of sustained advocacy with federal regulators and policymakers. The society repeatedly formally urged the Departments of Health and Human Services, Labor, and Treasury, as well as the White House Office of Management and Budget, to finalize the rule and adopt provisions that would address persistent operational challenges in the IDR process. 

ASA also championed stronger disclosure requirements, standardized claim coding, reforms to open negotiations, and measures to improve insurer accountability and transparency. By working closely with ACEP and ACR, ASA helped ensure that the final rule incorporates many of the physician community’s recommendations and advances a fairer, more workable dispute resolution system that supports continued patient access to high-quality anesthesia care.

ACEP, ACR and ASA Applaud Final IDR Operations Rule as Major Step Forward for No Surprises Act Implementation