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Anesthesia Coding Alert

Carrier Update:

Aetna Reviews Endo MAC Policy

Published on Fri Sep 08, 2006

Aetna is reviewing the medical necessity and appropriateness of MAC (monitored anesthesia care) for endoscopic procedures, according to a recent letter to physicians.

"We fully understand the impact our policy and payment decisions have on your practice," stated the letter from James D. Cross, MD, head of medical policy administration for Aetna. "For that reason and because the use of monitored anesthesia may be medically necessary and appropriate in certain circumstances, we are conducting a comprehensive review of the positions of relevant medical societies and expert authorities to determine the instances when MAC is considered medically necessary and appropriate for endoscopic procedures."

Watch for future updates on Aetna's decision and how it could affect your practice.
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