Two-thirds of ASC leaders rank anesthesia coverage among their top three financial challenges in 2026, according to a new report from Medicus Healthcare Solutions, a locum tenens staffing firm.
“The State of Anesthesia Care Delivery: Data, Trends, & Strategic Solutions” tracks anesthesiologist, certified registered nurse anesthetist and certified anesthesiologist assistant supply against rising surgical demand through 2031.
Here are 15 stats to know from the report:
- While there are more than 53,000 anesthesiologists in the U.S., the projected national anesthesiologist shortfall is set to more than double in five years, from 3,720 full-time equivalents in 2026 to 8,140 by 2031.
- There are about 16 anesthesiologists per 100,000 people across the U.S.
- Metro markets are projected to have an anesthesiologist surplus of 2,540 FTEs in 2026, while non-metro markets face a shortage of 6,260 FTEs.
- More than 42% of anesthesiologists said they are likely to leave their current organization within two years.
- CRNAs are projected to have a 3,140-FTE shortage in metro areas and a 4,040-FTE surplus outside them.
- There are more than 70,000 CRNAs in the U.S., with about 21 CRNAs per 100,000 residents.
- CAAs are now authorized to practice in 22 states plus Washington, D.C., and Guam, and the field’s employment is projected to grow 26.6% over the next decade.
- There are more than 4,500 CAAs in the U.S.
- In 2026, there were 2,290 anesthesiology residency positions available, and 2,987 applicants ranked anesthesiology as their top choice.
- Between 2022 and 2026, there has been a 16.3% increase in categorical, advanced and reserved anesthesiology residency positions, but capacity has not kept pace with demand.
- Eight states do not have an anesthesiology residency program.
- An average of 2,400 CRNAs graduate annually, and there are 153 accredited nurse anesthesia programs in the U.S.
- More than 80% of rural U.S. counties have no anesthesiologist, and CRNAs deliver 80% of the anesthesia care available in the rural counties that do have coverage.
- Nearly two-thirds of anesthesia positions used locum tenens coverage in 2025, the highest reliance on locum staffing of any physician specialty in the report.
- About 1 in 3 surgical patients are 65 or older, accounting for roughly 5 million procedures a year. Outpatient surgical volume is projected to grow 20% over the next decade as the 65-and-older population expands 55%.
Read the full report here.
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