How Your Health Plan Covers
Anesthesia for Colonoscopies
Regular colonoscopy checkups from a doctor who is in the [Premera/LifeWise] network are covered as a preventive service. That means that, depending on your benefits, you may pay nothing or a small cost for a preventive colonoscopy. However, there are some cases when you could receive a separate bill for the anesthesia that was administered for this preventive service.
The Two Types of Colonoscopy Anesthesia and How They Are Covered:
· General Anesthesia
General anesthesia is a treatment that renders you unconscious. In many cases, general anesthesia is not covered as part of a preventive colonoscopy. That means that if you receive general anesthesia you will receive a separate bill from the anesthesiologist. If it is not covered, you will be responsible for paying the full cost of this bill.
· Conscious Sedation
Conscious sedation is often used instead of general anesthesia. Conscious sedation is a combination of drugs that are given by your doctor to help you relax and block pain. Patients recover quickly from this type of anesthesia. Your health plan covers conscious sedation as part of your preventive colonoscopy service. This means that you will not have to pay an extra cost for anesthesia.
Talk to Your Doctor to Avoid Added Anesthesia Costs
Your health plan covers conscious sedation as part of your preventive colonoscopy. It may not cover general anesthesia for this preventive procedure. So, you should talk with your doctor before your colonoscopy to see if conscious sedation is right for you. If your doctor determines that general anesthesia is medically necessary, they should contact Care Management at 877-342-5258 to see how this procedure can be covered.
Your preventive care benefits offer a great way to maintain and even improve your health. So we hope you use them. And always remember that you can get the most value from your medical benefits by choosing a doctor who is in the Premera network. To find an in-network doctor log in to [premera.com / lifewiseor.com / lifewisewa.com] and go to “Find a Doctor.”
If you have any questions please call the customer service number on the back of your [Premera/LifeWise] member ID card.