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Proposed time limits on anesthesia may have jeopardized patient safety

The anesthesiologist’s job entails more than "putting a person under"

An anesthesiologist in blue scrubs and face mask applies anesthesia to a patient while looking at her monitors.

In addition to delivering sedation during surgery, anesthesiologists monitor vital signs and pain levels and deliver blood and other fluids as needed throughout the surgical process.

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By Sujata Gupta

Following a public outcry, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield announced December 5 it had walked back plans that would have put time limits on health insurance payments for anesthesia care in certain states.