Highmark drops restrictions on CRC screening drugs

Medicare often set trends for commercial payers, and Highmark has determined it will opt for Medicare's stance and lift restrictions on colorectal cancer screening drugs, according to a Pittsburgh Business Times report.

Previously, Highmark planned to restrict payment for propofol administration during colorectal cancer screening to high-risk patients. Industry organizations, such as the Pennsylvania Society of Gastroenterology and Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiologists, banded together to fight the restriction. Highmark backed down.
Now, as Medicare waives deductibles and co-insurance for anesthesia during colorectal cancer screening with the beginning of the New Year, Highmark will follow suit, according to the report.