Policies aimed at addressing unanticipated out-of-network care—often called surprise billing—should not put patients in the middle of payment negotiations or reward payers whose inadequate, narrow provider networks are a primary driver of the problem.

That was the key message from AMA Trustee S. Bobby Mukkamala, MD, at today’s House Ways and Means Health Subcommittee hearing on surprise medical bills.

“The AMA has long been concerned about gaps in out-of-network coverage and is committed to working on solutions to protect patients from the financial impact of ‘surprise’ coverage gaps,” said Dr. Mukkamala, a board-certified otolaryngologist—head-and-neck surgeon who practices in Flint, Michigan.

My latest. The whole shebang.