Insurance Companies Say No to Anesthesia for Screening Colon and Esophageal Cancer

Insurance Companies Say No to Anesthesia for Screening Colon and Esophageal Cancer
 
Feb. 15, 2008 - PRLog -- (New York, New York) In a move that will have severe repercussions for patients and their doctors, several major insurance companies are planning to eliminate paying for anesthesiologists in such common cancer screening procedures as colonoscopies and upper endoscopies.
Aetna, Blue Cross Blue Shield, Wellpoint and other insurers are lining up to remove not only the alternative of being asleep and comfortable through these unnerving but vital procedures, but also risking patient safety while having the procedure performed.
Colonoscopies are procedures used to diagnose rectal cancer, colon cancer, and other illnesses associated with the colon. Upper endoscopies test for esophageal and stomach cancers, acid reflux, bleeding and other disorders of the stomach and esophagus.
It is recommended that everyone over 50 have a colonoscopy to help reduce the risk of developing colon or rectal cancer.
Insurance company insiders claim that they are only removing coverage of medical care that “is not medically necessary.”
"The realistic fear is that screenings will drop off and cancer rates will shoot through the roof," says Dr. Armen Ketchedjian (Dr. Ketch).
Dr. Ketch, a former Professor at the Yale School of Medicine and listed as one of the Best Doctors by Consumer Research Council of America, is very concerned for patients. "Once again, preventive medicine and the safety of patients is taking a back seat to corporate profits. The short term savings will backfire when screenings tail off and cancer rates rise."
The insurance companies believe that the that the person performing the procedure (the endoscopist) is skilled enough not only to perform their task but also to ensure the application of any anesthesia.
"Have the insurance companies made any offer to actually reduce their premiums related to saving an average of 600.00 for these procedures to each of their members?" asks Dr. Ketch? " What other medical coverage will they not cover because it would not be 'medically necessary'?"
Dr. Ketch is also the author of the children's anti-drug book "Golden Apples" (a selection by D.A.R.E.) and the upcoming book "Will It Hurt? The Parents Guide to Children's Surgery."
You can reach Dr. Ketch at ketch@drketch.com or visit his web site at www.drketch.com.

Website: ArborBooks.com
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