The American Association of Nurse Anesthetists opposes Anthem's policy directing ophthalmologists to assume responsibility for anesthesia administration and patient monitoring during routine cataract surgeries.
Here are four things to know.
1. The AANA represents more than 52,000 certified registered nurse anesthetists, who frequently provide patient care during ophthalmologic procedures.
2. Cataract extraction and lens placement is a common procedure among seniors. According to AANA president Bruce Weiner, DNP, CRNA, this population is at greatest risk for complications.
"While cataract surgeries are generally routine," said Dr. Weiner, "any surgical procedures that require anesthesia, especially those involving hypersensitive areas like the eyes, call for highly educated anesthesia professionals like CRNAs to administer medication and monitor patients properly without distraction."
3. Dr. Weiner cites safety as a chief concern: "Just like ophthalmology, anesthesiology is a complex science, requiring years of education, training and experience to ensure proper and safe practice. Ophthalmologists are no more qualified to administer anesthesia than CRNAs are to perform cataract surgery."
4. According to Dr. Weiner, 3.6 million people underwent cataract surgery in 2015. He claims that Anthem's new policy will put millions of people at risk for serious eye injury by asking ophthalmologists to perform two complex procedures simultaneously.
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