After significant pushback from providers and the general public, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has recently reversed its decision on a controversial anesthesia reimbursement policy update that would have introduced a new reimbursement structure based on CMS physician work time values.

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan has walked back on an anesthesia pay change that was implemented in Washington state in November. 

Anesthesia practices face complex challenges in revenue growth that stem from Medicaid billing, including changing eligibility rules, inconsistent payment rates and state-specific Medicaid plans that do not provide a standardized approach to billing.

Policy and payment changes in CMS' Outpatient Prospective Payment System (OPPS) final rule have wide-reaching implications for healthcare providers, including quality reporting requirements for 2025.

Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington and Kaiser Foundation Health Plan of Washington Options announced two changes to its anesthesia reimbursements that went into effect Nov. 1. 

Here are five major moves in the anesthesia industry that have recently gained traction: 

There are 10.76 anesthesiologists for every 100,000 residents in West Virginia, the worst-ranked state for healthcare.

The California Association of Nurse Anesthesiology elected a new board of directors during its annual fall meeting held Oct. 26-27 in Newport Beach, Calif. 

Here are 19 anesthesiologists who have made Becker's headlines in the last month:

The American Society of Anesthesiologists and the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology have both issued responses to Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's recent reversal of a controversial anesthesia policy. 

US Anesthesia Partners subsidiary Elevated Practice Solutions has debuted a new resource for anesthesia practices and health systems that aims to improve the efficiency and effectiveness of anesthesia operations. 

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has reversed its decision on a controversial anesthesia reimbursement policy update — leaving many leaders wondering if this could signal a broader shift. 

Here are five new anesthesia groups, partnerships and acquisitions for ASC leaders and physicians to know: 

Following Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield's reversal of its controversial anesthesia pay policy, Rep. Ritchie Torres (D-N.Y.) has introduced a bill in the House that would ban time caps on reimbursement for anesthesia services. 

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has reversed its decision on a controversial anesthesia reimbursement policy update, which would have introduced a new reimbursement structure based on CMS physician work time values.

The University of California San Francisco has agreed to pay $15 million to settle allegations that medics mistakenly mixed her anesthetic with chemical formaldehyde, according to a Dec. 5 report from the San Francisco Chronicle.

From reimbursement challenges and staffing shortages to shifting payer policies, 2024 has been an active year for anesthesiologists.

Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield has reversed its decision on a controversial anesthesia reimbursement policy update, the payer said in a statement shared with Becker's. 

Massachusetts has the highest number of anesthesiologists per capita out of any state at 26.78 anesthesiologists for every 100,000 residents. 

New York City-based Mount Sinai and U.S. Anesthesia Partners have formed Greater New York Anesthesia Services.