Anesthesia for colon cancer screens

Why This Topic Matters

The topic matters because changes in Medicare coverage policy can affect whether anesthesia services linked to screening colonoscopies are paid without patient cost-sharing and how claims are filed. It also highlights the need to watch for payer processing differences during policy transitions.

Article Sections

1. No copay means complete, faster pay

   Discusses the general payment and cost-sharing implications of the Medicare policy update for anesthesia services tied to screening colonoscopy services.

2. Watch for denials in early 2015

   Summarizes coverage and claims-processing concerns, including the possibility of denials during the transition to the new policy.

3. Select a modifier based on the colonoscopy

   Introduces the modifier guidance associated with anesthesia claims and notes that filing depends on what occurs during the colonoscopy.

4. More guidance, private payer policies expected

   Addresses remaining questions about compliance and mentions that private payer policies may continue to vary.