Gary Friedman, MD, has testified before the New Hampshire House of Representatives to oppose recently introduced legislation that would prohibit balance billing by out-of-network providers who provide services at in-network facilities, according to an ASA report.
Here are five things to know:
1. Balance billing typically occurs when a patient receives a bill for the amount remaining between the OON provider's fee and the amount contributed by the patient's insurer after copay and deductibles.
2. The concern with balance billing lies in the fact patients assume OON facility-based providers will be covered, similar to their in-network surgeon and hospital.
3. However, this concern is focused on the provider, whereas it should be focused on the insurers.
4. By focusing the issue on "surprise bills," few patients see that insurers have developed inadequate narrow networks, noted Dr. Friedman, a physician leader with the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
5. Dr. Friedman testified on behalf of the New Hampshire Society of Anesthesiologists.