BCBS-TN Abandons Policy on Anesthesia for Endoscopy Services
Recently, BlueCross BlueShield (BCBS) of Tennessee developed a draft medical policy [DMP0208-02] on the "Use of Anesthesia Services for Routine Gastrointestinal Endoscopy" that would have prohibited the use of an anesthesia professional for routine endoscopy services.
The AGA remains concerned that such policies by insurers could undercut efforts to increase colorectal cancer screening rates, and submitted comments to the insurer.
On April 7, BCBS of Tennessee contacted the AGA, stating that it will not implement this medical policy. According to the insurer, "[a] common thread among the various letters was the idea that the implementation of this policy could discourage our members from obtaining an appropriate screening colonoscopy. Nothing could be further from the mission of BlueCross to serve as an advocate for our members ’health-care needs."
The AGA remains vigilant in monitoring and commenting on payer medical policies that could negatively impact patient access to important and life-saving screening and therapeutic GI services.
Please contact Jennifer Conte, AGA Institute senior director of clinical practice and reimbursement issues at Jconte@gastro.org or 301-941-2641 with information about insurance company and Medicare contractor draft medical policies that impact the ability of gastroenterologists to provide quality care to patients.
