Morning Briefing
Summaries of health policy coverage from major news organizations
UnitedHealthcare Tightens Controls On Coverage Of Hysterectomies
The nation鈥檚 largest health insurer is imposing tighter controls on its coverage for hysterectomies after more than a year of debate over a medical device that was found to spread hidden cancer in some women undergoing the procedure. As of April, UnitedHealth Group Inc. will require doctors to obtain authorization from the insurer before performing most types of hysterectomies, according to a bulletin sent to physicians and hospitals. (Levitz, and Kamp, 2/26)
UnitedHealthcare is placing new restrictions on certain types of hysterectomy, which is one of the most frequently performed surgical procedures in the United States. (Snowbeck, 2/26)
UnitedHealth Group Inc. says the changes are based on recommendations from the American Congress of Obstetricians and Gynecologists, which said vaginal hysterectomies are recommended over abdominal procedures and 鈥渒eyhole鈥 laparoscopic procedures. It quoted from recommendations ACOG issued in 2009 that said vaginal procedures are associated with better outcomes and fewer complications. (2/26)
