Today, Congressman Henry Cuellar introduced the Medicare Access to Rural Anesthesiology Act of 2007 to expand the availability of anesthesiology care in medically-underserved rural areas.  Joined by Congressman Todd Akin, Congressman Cuellar introduced the Cuellar-Akin Rural Anesthesiology Bill that will allow rural hospitals to use Medicare Part A funds on a “pass-through” basis to pay for the services of anesthesiologists.

“Throughout the nation, rural hospitals are experiencing a shortage of anesthesiology medical care.  We want to encourage physicians to practice in rural areas and I am proud that the Cuellar-Akin Rural Anesthesiology Bill will accomplish that task,” said Congressman Henry Cuellar.

Medicare traditionally pays for anesthesia providers’ services under the Medicare Part B schedule.  In the 1980s, a statutory exemption was enacted to allow rural hospitals to use Part A funds to employ or contract with non-physician anesthesiologist assistants or certified registered nurse anesthetists.  However, the policy does not permit hospitals to use the pass-through funds to pay for anesthesiologists.

The Cuellar-Akin Rural Anesthesiology Bill will resolve the oversight by extending the rural pass-through to anesthesiologists, enabling rural hospitals to recruit and retain more anesthesiologists.  Additionally, it will help to expand the availability of anesthesiology care in rural areas that lack adequate services.

“The health and well-being of my constituents is of deep concern to me.  In Congress, I remain committed to introducing legislation to constantly improve the lives of the citizens of South Texas and nationwide.  It gives me great satisfaction to know that I have taken a step towards enhancing people’s access to quality health care,” said Congressman Cuellar.

Congressman Henry Cuellar is a member of the House Homeland Security, Small Business, and Agriculture Committees in the 110th Congress; accessibility to constituents, education, health care, economic development and national security are his priorities. Congressman Cuellar is also a Majority Senior Whip.
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