In 2021, the protocol for evaluation and management billing use expanded to allow for the flexibility of choosing a billing code based on either time or medical decision-making. How has this change by CMS affected coding patterns of anesthesiologists?

Anesthesia provider shortages and declining anesthesia reimbursements are two of the biggest issues ASC leaders are facing. 

Here are three physician-led anesthesia groups to know:

Here are nine headlines on anesthesiology the ASC industry should know, as reported by Becker's since Jan. 3:

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has undergone general anesthesia for "non-surgical procedures," related to a bladder issue. 

Anesthesiologists were among the 10 highest-paid physician specialties in 2023, and have been among those ranks each year since 2013.

CMS reimbursements for physicians are on the decline, affecting every specialty nationwide.

Anesthesiologist shortages have been sweeping the nation, forcing major hospital systems to cancel procedures as ASCs and inpatient systems alike continue to fight for top talent. 

A Lubbock, Texas-based anesthesiologist has been accused of violating a medical license restriction more than 60 times in two months and has been temporarily barred from practicing, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reported Feb. 9. 

Surgeries at two Providence hospitals were down by almost 50% in December and January amid an anesthesiologist shortage, The Oregonian reported Feb. 9. 

Here are five anesthesiologists making waves in the field.

Medicare's average anesthesia rate for 2023 is down 5.5% from 2019 as inflation continues to rise nationwide, according to an analysis by Coronis Health. Another analysis, from VMG Health, found that Medicare reimbursements for anesthesia services decreased from $22.2730 per unit in 2019 to $21.1249 in 2023 under CMS' final rule. 

Billings (Mont.) Clinic's contract with long-time anesthesia partner, Billings Anesthesiology, is set to expire on Feb. 9, according to a Feb. 7 report from local news affiliate KTVQ.

The highest paid anesthesiologist in Nashville, Tenn., earns $609,100 per year, according to Medscape's salary reporter tool, which is much higher than the mean annual wage of $302,970 anesthesiologists make according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

All part-time and full-time anesthesiologists at Los Angeles-based Cedars-Sinai's Beverly Anesthesiology have unionized.

As the use of weight loss medications including glucagon-like peptide 1 receptor agonists grows rapidly, physicians are still figuring out how the medications might interact with other medications, including anesthesia. 

Working as a certified registered nurse anesthetist was recently named among the best — and highest-paying — jobs in healthcare for 2024 by U.S. News and World Report. 

ASCs are facing major obstacles to secure anesthesia as the provider shortage increases and reimbursements decline.  

The highest paid anesthesiologist in Washington, D.C., earns $618,100 per year, according to Medscape's salary reporter tool, which is much higher than the mean annual wage of $302,970 anesthesiologists make according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A group of anesthesiologists from San Antonio has launched Inspire Anesthesia Partners.