The nation's 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. The decision marks another blow to the tool known as a laparoscopic power morcellator, which cuts up and removes tissue through small incisions in the abdomen. Until recently, morcellators were being used in thousands of laparoscopic hysterectomies every year to remove benign growths known as fibroids. [Subscription Required]
