Propofol Shortage Effect on ASC Operations and Profitability: Q&A With Dr. Robert Goldstein of Somnia Anesthesia Services

Written by Rob Kurtz | June 08, 2010

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Robert Goldstein, MD, is executive vice president and chief medical officer of Somnia Anesthesia Services.

Q: What are some of the ways the growing propofol shortage could impact an ASC's operations and profitability?

Dr. Robert Goldstein: Propofol's advantages — rapid onset and recovery with no major side effects — can strengthen an ASC's bottom line because they enable improved patient flow. Patients are sedated and recover quickly, which reduces their length-of-stay and enhances case volume.

While substitutes for propofol are available, they are less desirable as they result in slower induction of anesthesia and a prolonged emergence from anesthesia which, in turn, may increase the length-of-stay in the OR during non-surgical portions of a procedure. These delays often spill out into recovery rooms where patients remain under sedation and, given the nature of these alternative drugs, might experience PONV which would require the use of expensive antiemetics and call for increased staffing to monitor patients during longer recovery. These outcomes can erode bottom lines.

If they do not have access to propofol, ASCs and anesthesiologists need to employ alternative anesthetic techniques and case management processes to avoid any adverse affect on revenue.

Learn more about Somnia Anesthesia Services.

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