Elements of a Successful Anesthesia Service in ASCs

At the 18th Annual Ambulatory Surgery Centers Conference in Chicago on Oct. 28, David Shapiro, MD, partner of Ambulatory Surgery Company, discussed elements of a successful anesthesia service in ASCs.

Dr. Shapiro said anesthesia in ASCs should have the following attributes:

•    Consistency. Dr. Shapiro suggested gathering a "cohort of consistent physicians in the center" to develop processes and policies for anesthesia. Consistency in anesthesia providers can also enable the ASC team to work more cohesively.
•    Competence.
•    Commitment. Anesthesia providers should be part of the team financially, physically (staying at the center for the duration of a case) and emotionally, Dr. Shapiro said.
•    Collaboration. ASC administrators should collaborate with anesthesiologists when updating policies and procedures.
•    Customer service orientation.
•    Compliance. Anesthesiologists at an ASC should follow appropriate standards, techniques and practice advisories.
•    Communication. Dr. Shapiro said anesthesiologists should be surgeon-focused when communicating. "It's not doing everything they say, but [being] aware of the surgeons' needs, expectations and practices."

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