Nashville, Tenn.-based Envision Healthcare (AmSurg) is trying to repair its public image by launching a website dedicated to explaining surprise medical billing claims.
Envision has been accused of charging out-of-network patients exorbitant amounts for emergency room care by several entities including Congress and Minnetonka, Minn.-based UnitedHealth Group. Based on data fromER visits between 2011 and 2015, New Haven, Conn.-based Yale University found Envision's physician staffing branch, EmCare, charged significantly more than other physicians for emergency room care.
Here's what you should know:
1. On its site, Envision said "surprise" medical bills are caused by "complicated insurance regulations and policies designed to increase profits," leading to "unexpected gaps in coverage."
2. Envision stated surprise medical bills are the results of patients going to out-of-network providers or facilities for uncovered procedures. The company blamed payer emergency department care coverage denials, high deductible health plans and narrow in-patient networks.
3. To address surprise medical bills, Envision said it intends to:
- Commit to in-network status "whenever possible"
- Support regulation that would clarify payment resolution
- Create a minimum benefit standard for "safety net services"
- Support the creation of an independent and transparent charge database
4. Envision applauded transparency-focused legislative efforts taking place in Connecticut, Florida, Georgia, New York, Texas and Tennessee.
5. UnitedHealth Group recently notified 300 hospital systems it would begin treating all services performed by Envision as out-of-network claims beginning Jan. 1, 2019.
6. In a press release, Envision President and CEO Christopher Holden said, "As one of America's largest physician groups, Envision clinicians share the frustration our patients experience due to surprise coverage. Patients should focus on getting better, not worrying about unexpected bills resulting from surprise coverage and gaps in health insurance."