BOTTOMS up!. . .Aetna backs off & will pay for anesthesia during colonoscopy. . .

[NewtonMP2100]

. . .I guess it 'ends' well. . .for now. . .


Aetna Backs Off a Colonoscopy Change

. . .Bowing to critics who contended it was putting profits before patients, Aetna said Wednesday that it had suspended — at least temporarily — a plan to stop paying for routine use of a powerful anesthetic in a procedure to screen for colon cancer.

The drug, propofol, provides quick and reliable sedation for patients who are undergoing a colonoscopy, an examination of the lower intestine with a flexible probe that provides the most thorough form of screening for colon cancer. . .


the MISSING LINK to the whole truth and nothing 'butt' the truth. . .

[rgG]

So no more "bite down on this leather belt while we stick this probe..." You get my drift.

[OWC Jamie]

I suppose they would only relate if they sent propofol with your monthly or quarterly bill.

[TLB]

I've had it done awake with just a little valium to relax me. It is kind of interesting to watch.

[laarree]

I had my first colonoscopy last year, and was amazed at how effective the anesthesia was
(I've never been had any medical procedure requiring anesthesia before). Was out in a
couple of seconds, woke up very quickly, recovered from the anesthesia rapidly and
walked out on my own. I experienced no discomfort whatsoever. I can't imagine those
cheap bastards forcing people to undergo a procedure like this conscious. Luckily I don't
have Aetna as my health insurance provider.

I was stunned that consciousness could be turned off and on so quickly and thoroughly,
almost like turning a switch off and on.

[comaplate]

You'll love it. It looks just like a Telefunken U-47...

[AlphaDog]

Before jumping to conclusions, I'm not sure there's enough information given. How many people actually receive propofol in place of the more common - and I assume cheaper - versed? (That's at least phonetic if not the correct spelling!) That one has been used routinely for years, and I've received it a number of times while having outpatient procedures, including a colonoscopy. When I read both the linked article and earlier ones, I never got the impression that Aetna, nor other carriers, were denying use of an anesthetic, only they were saying there was no indication that this one, which is more expensive because it requires administration by an anesthesiologist, was in any way more effective or produced better outcomes. I never read anything that said they would not cover anesthesia during colonoscopies; they certainly paid for it for me.

[JoeH]

Use can be medically indicated, and having the anesthesiologist present as well in some cases. Know a guy who has to have both, his heart has stopped once before during a colonoscopy under normal anesthesia. Basically Aetna was planning on a blanket denial of the alternate because it cost more, and did not give any exception in their first proposed plan.

[dmann]

I have had many insurance companies over the years and can say without a doubt Aetna was the worst, not to mention OUTRAGEOUSLY expensive. I discovered the latter when I lost my job last year and had to go on "continuation" (small company version of COBRA) with them until I found other insurance.

Was thrilled to get rid of them-
DM

[NewtonMP2100]

Aetna is the worst. . .I had them for HMO years ago. . .emergency came up. . .they tried to deny coverage. . .took months to finally pay it. . .horrible. . .the worst. . .