The co-chairs of the Congressional Rural Health Coalition recently introduced H.R. 3859, The Rural Hospital and Provider Equity Act, which includes a rural pass-through provision for anesthesiologists, according to an ASA release.
Under current Medicare policy, certain small rural hospitals may use Part A funds on a "pass-through" basis to pay for the services of anesthesiologist assistants and nurse anesthetists. When the policy was created in the 1980s, it did not include a provision that would permit hospitals to use pass-through funds for anesthesiologists.
The ASA believes allowing hospitals to use pass-through funds for anesthesiologists would increase patient access to anesthesiology care in medically underserved areas throughout the U.S.
Related Articles on Anesthesia:
ASA Reaffirms Support for Repeal of SGR IPAB
What Anesthesiologists Should Know About Medicare Prepayment Reviews
7 Serious Effects of Anesthesia Drug Shortages
Under current Medicare policy, certain small rural hospitals may use Part A funds on a "pass-through" basis to pay for the services of anesthesiologist assistants and nurse anesthetists. When the policy was created in the 1980s, it did not include a provision that would permit hospitals to use pass-through funds for anesthesiologists.
The ASA believes allowing hospitals to use pass-through funds for anesthesiologists would increase patient access to anesthesiology care in medically underserved areas throughout the U.S.
Related Articles on Anesthesia:
ASA Reaffirms Support for Repeal of SGR IPAB
What Anesthesiologists Should Know About Medicare Prepayment Reviews
7 Serious Effects of Anesthesia Drug Shortages