The discriminatory anesthetic reimbursement policy implemented by UnitedHealthcare, which lowers reimbursements by 15% for services provided independently by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs), is highly condemned by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA).
“This policy is not only unlawful but is a pure money grab for UnitedHealthcare,” stated AANA President Jeff Molter, MSN, MBA, CRNA. “UHC has not provided research nor data that cuts to anesthesia reimbursement will have a positive impact on patient care nor premiums. Rather, we have heard directly from physicians and facilities on the detrimental effect of this pay cut on patient access to care.”
“UnitedHealthcare is choosing profits over patients by targeting CRNAs who are trained, educated and board certified to practice independently in providing anesthesia care. This action will have devastating consequences for patient access to care, especially in rural and underserved communities.”
“At a time when hospitals are already facing financial instability, staffing shortages, and rising costs, this policy adds insult to injury,” Molter continued.
The American Nurses Association urges UnitedHealthcare to immediately revoke this detrimental policy and emulate other insurers who have stopped engaging in comparable discriminatory practices. Nine other healthcare organizations and patient advocacy groups signed the AANA’s call for the Administration to enforce federal provider nondiscrimination laws, and specifically for the Secretaries of the Department of Labor, Health and Human Services, and the Department of Treasury to look into and take action against commercial payers that violate these laws.
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