In November, Kaiser Permanente announced it would require specific modifiers to identify anesthesia providers for reimbursement under its Washington health plans, causing alarm for ambulatory surgery center (ASC) operators and stakeholders, many of whom are struggling amid a national anesthesiologist shortage. Additionally, the reimbursement rate for QZ services performed by Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs) was to be reduced to 85% of the Physician Fee Schedule. QZ is a … [Read more...]