Frequently Asked Questions: Anesthesia Billing
What does being out-of-network mean?
Health insurance companies create networks of doctors, hospitals, surgery centers etc. who agree to accept their contracted rates—these providers are considered in-network. When a provider is out of network, it simply means they have not signed a contract with your insurance company. Normally, patients might pay more when they see an out-of-network provider. However, for anesthesiology services at an in-network surgery center, state and federal laws protect you. These laws ensure that you only pay your regular in-network costs (like copays, deductibles, or coinsurance), even though our group is technically out of network.
Will I receive a surprise bill for anesthesia?
No. Even though our anesthesia group is out-of-network, you will not be balance billed for charges beyond your standard in-network responsibility. You will only pay what your insurance plan requires for in-network services (such as copays, deductibles, and coinsurance).
Why is the surgery center in-network but anesthesia out-of-network?
Surgery centers and anesthesia groups contract with insurance companies separately. The centers we work in are in-network, but our anesthesia group is not. However, California law (AB 72) and the federal No Surprises Act protect you. This means your cost for anesthesia care is the same as if our group were in network.
What protections do I have against out-of-network billing?
Both California law (AB 72) and the No Surprises Act ensure that if you receive anesthesia at an in-network surgery center, you cannot be billed above your normal in-network cost-sharing amount. These protections apply to all patients receiving care at our partner surgery centers.
What will I owe for anesthesia?
Your financial responsibility will be the same as if we were in-network:
Any copay your plan requires
Any deductible you still owe
Any coinsurance percentage that applies under your plan
We bill your insurance company directly and resolve any payment disputes with them—not with you.
Do I need prior authorization for anesthesia?
No. For outpatient procedures at in-network surgery centers, anesthesia services do not require separate prior authorization. Your surgeon’s authorization for surgery typically includes anesthesia.
What if I receive a bill or statement that looks higher than expected?
Insurance companies sometimes send Explanation of Benefits (EOB) statements showing “out-of-network” charges before your cost-sharing protections are applied. This can look like a bill, but it is not what you owe. If you receive anything confusing or unexpected, please contact us right away. We will work directly with your insurance company to make sure your costs are adjusted correctly to your in-network responsibility.
Why isn’t your anesthesia group in-network?
Insurance companies set strict contract terms and reimbursement rates. Our group prioritizes patient safety, continuity of care, and fair compensation for highly trained physician anesthesiologists. While we are not in-network, we strictly comply with all federal and state laws that protect you from surprise bills.
Who can I contact if I have questions about my anesthesia bill?
You can reach our billing office at (310) 737-1844 or at admin@brightanesthesia.com. We are
happy to:
Explain your bill in detail
Review your insurance coverage
Work with your insurance company on your behalf