Sen. Rand Paul's November assault by anesthesiologist Rene Boucher, MD, information and statistics related to the specialty and breaking news captured the attention of Becker's ASC Review anesthesia readers in 2017.
The following are the most popular anesthesia stories from Becker's ASC Review this year:
1. Dr. Rene Boucher allegedly attacks Sen. Rand Paul
Sen. Rand Paul, R-Ky., MD, was allegedly assaulted by his neighbor, former anesthesiologist Rene Boucher, DO, Nov. 3. Dr. Paul fractured five ribs and suffered a lung contusion in the attack. An advisor to Dr. Paul said the pain could persist for several months. Dr. Paul eventually returned to the Senate.
2. Anesthesiologist charged with murder after allegedly giving lethal dose of Demerol to California ASC patient
Stephen Kyosung Kim, MD, an anesthesiologist, was charged with murder after allegedly administering a lethal dose of Demerol to a patient postoperatively. Dr. Kim was the anesthesiologist during a procedure at Beverly Hills, Calif.-based Rodeo Drive Plastic Surgery Center performed on another physician, Mark Greenspan, MD. Dr. Kim allegedly administered sedatives before surgery and then Demerol while Dr. Greenspan was in the recovery room. Dr. Greenspan suffered cardiac arrest soon after receiving the Demerol.
3. 17 facts and concepts for anesthesiologists and ASCs in 2017
For 17 facts on workforce size, average salary and demographic information, click here.
4. What 20 healthcare practices pay their anesthesiologists
Glassdoor collects and compiles self-reported salary data. For anesthesiologists, the national average salary is $294,811. For anesthesiologist salary data from 20 healthcare practices, click here.
5. Anesthesia returns as a most in-demand specialty after seven-year lay off
Anesthesia made its triumphant return to Merritt Hawkins' 2017 Review of Physician and Advanced Practitioner Recruiting Incentives report after falling off the list for seven years.
6. Forest Park Medical Center anesthesiologist pleads guilty to $40M kickback scheme
Dallas-based Forest Park Medical Center founder and anesthesiologist Richard F. Toussaint, MD, pled guilty to a count of conspiracy to pay healthcare bribes and kickbacks and a count of offering or paying illegal remuneration and aiding and abetting under the Travel Act March 17, according to a press release from The United States' Attorney Office of the Northern District of Texas. The Travel Act prohibits the use of U.S. mail, interstate or foreign travel for criminal acts.
7. New York pain management clinic to pay $1.9M for improper billing practices
Syracuse-based New York Spine & Wellness Center agreed to pay the U.S. government $1.9 million for improperly billing patients and payers for "moderate sedation."
8. 3 key thoughts from American Association of Nurse Anesthetists incoming president Bruce Weiner
Bruce Weiner, a certified registered nurse anesthetist, took office as American Association of Nurse Anesthetists' president-elect in 2016 and assumed the role of president in September. He shared his thoughts on how CRNAs can impact the healthcare industry.
9. NY State Society of Anesthesiologists call on legislators to oppose nurse anesthetists bill
In May, the New York State Society of Anesthesiologists called upon legislators to oppose a bill that would allow nurse anesthetists to conduct anesthesia services. The New York State Association of Nurse Anesthetists responded to the claims. For everything you need to know, click here.
10. Solving the impending anesthesiologist shortage
Anesthesiology is facing a physician shortage as the workforce ages and surgical demand increases. Anesthesia Business Consultants CEO Tony Mira penned a column suggesting practices use anesthesiologist assistants to help meet needs in August.