Medicare: Payments for Medically Directed Anesthesia Services Should Be Reduced
HRD-92-25
Published: Mar 03, 1992. Publicly Released: Mar 03, 1992.
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Highlights
Pursuant to a legislative requirement, GAO reviewed whether: (1) payments to anesthesiologists are excessive for services provided when they concurrently direct certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNA); and (2) reduced payments resulting from the Omnibus Budget Reconciliation Act (OBRA) of 1987 have affected the use and employment of CRNA.
Recommendations
Matter for Congressional Consideration
| Matter | Status | Comments |
|---|---|---|
| Congress should amend the Social Security Act to limit Medicare payments for medically directed anesthesia services to the resource-based value that the Health Care Financing Administration establishes under the physician fee schedule. | Section 13516 of OBRA will equalize payments for anesthesia services regardless of which personnel provide the service. The change is being phased in over a 4-year period. |
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