The American Gastroenterological Association is joining a coalition of healthcare groups, led by the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology, urging UnitedHealthcare to reverse a new policy cutting reimbursements for certified registered nurse anesthetists by 15%, according to an AGA notice.
The policy, which took effect Oct. 1, reduces payment for anesthesia services provided by independently practicing CRNAs. Claims billed under the QZ modifier will now be reimbursed at 85% of the allowable rate.
In the notice, the AGA said the change could “threaten access to life-saving cancer screenings and GI procedures, especially for patients in rural and underserved communities.”
CRNAs in Arkansas, California, Ohio, Colorado, Hawaii, Massachusetts, New Hampshire and Wyoming are exempt from the reduction.
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