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Articles Posted in Anesthesia

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Proposed Legislation Would change Michigan CRNA Supervision Requirements and Increase Access to Anesthesia Care

On May 7, 2015, Michigan Senator Mike Kowall (R-White Lake) introduced legislation that would allow hospitals more flexibility in determining the best anesthesia delivery model for their patient’s needs. While certified registered nurse anesthetists (“CRNAs”) provide the anesthesia care during most patient procedures – staying with the patient throughout the…

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OIG Issues Unfavorable Advisory Opinion On Proposed Relationship Between a Psychiatry Group and an Anesthesia Group

On November 12, 2013, the Office of Inspector General (the “OIG”) released an unfavorable Advisory Opinion in response to an anesthesiology practice’s (the “Requestor”) inquiry. Specifically, the OIG found that a psychiatry group’s (the “Psychiatry Group”) proposal to pay the Requestor a per-diem rate for anesthesia services while keeping any…

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CMS Updates Manual Regarding Payment for Medical or Surgical Services Furnished by CRNAs

On March 8, 2013, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) issued Transmittal 2668 (Change Request 8180) to Publication 100-04 (Medicare Claims Processing), rescinding and replacing Transmittal 2634 (January 11, 2013). Transmittal 2634 provided clarifications in the manual language to reflect revisions to 42 C.F.R. § 410.69. The newly-released…

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CMS Transmittals: Medicare Claims Processing Manual, 100-04, Trans. No. 2634, January 11, 2013–Internet Only Manual (IOM) Update to Payment for Medical or Surgical Services Furnished by CRNAs. This CR rescinds and fully replaces CR 8027, (Jan. 15, 2013)

CMS released Transmittal No. 2634 to update the Medicare Claims Processing Manual in connection with the changes to payment for medical and surgical services furnished by CRNAs. In particular: 140.4.3 – Payment for Medical or Surgical Services Furnished by CRNAs (Rev.2634, Issued: 01-11-13, Effective: 01-01-13, Implementation: 02-12-13) B3-16003.H Payment shall…

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Michigan Legislature Considering Expanded Role for Nurse Anesthetists

On September 25, Senator Michael Green (31st District) introduced a bill that would expand the definition of the practice of nursing to include “administration of anesthesia by a registered professional nurse who holds a specialty certification as a nurse anesthetist.” Senate Bill 1309 was referred to the Senate Health Policy…

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CMS Set to Rule on Expansion of Nurse Anesthetist Role in Pain Management

Within the next month, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) is expected to finalize the proposed Medicare Physician Fee Schedule for 2013. In the rule, CMS proposes to expand the definition of CRNA services to include “medical and surgical services that are related to anesthesia and that a…

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California Courts Uphold Governor Schwarzenegger’s Interpretation That California State Law Allows CNRAs to Administer Anesthesia Without Physician Supervision

On June 13, 2012, the California Supreme Court unanimously denied review in the case of California Society of Anesthesiologists v. Superior Court, 204 Cal.App.4th 390 (1st Dist. 2012) ending an over two year battle by the California Society of Anesthesiologists and the California Medical Association who challenged former governor Arnold…

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Viewing the Recent OIG Company Model Advisory Opinion for What It Truly Is: Meaningful Guidance That Must Be Incorporated Into These Arrangements (But Certainly Not the Death Knell to All Company Models Across the Country)

On June 1, 2012, the Department of Health and Human Services Office of Inspector General (the “OIG”) issued its Advisory Opinion No. 12-06, which provides long-awaited guidance to the health care industry regarding the legal permissibility of an anesthesia delivery service model commonly referred to as the “company model.” Insofar…

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CMS Issues 2012 Final Physician Fee Schedule

CMS Issues 2012 Final Physician Fee Schedule. On July 19, 2011, the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (“CMS”) published in the Federal Register its CY 2012 Physician Fee Schedule Proposed Rule (“Proposed Rule”). On November 1, 2011, CMS issued its 2012 Final Physician Fee Schedule (“Final Rule”), in part,…

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Ohio Bill Impacting Pain Clinics Signed into Law

On May 20, 2011, Ohio governor, John Kasich, signed Ohio House Bill 93 into law. The bill represents an effort by Ohio to strengthen the State’s regulatory framework relating to the prevention of prescription drug abuse. According to the Ohio Department of Health, since 2007, unintentional drug overdoses in the…