Anesthesia workforce shortages are driving case cancellations, room closures and lost surgical volume at ASCs nationwide, according to SedAssure’s 2026 Anesthesia Access and Sedation Survey, shared with Becker’s Aug. 12.
The survey polled 150 ASC perioperative and administrative leaders across the U.S. Sixty-two percent said staffing gaps caused cancelled or delayed cases in the past year, and 53% reported closing rooms or cutting operating days. Nearly half scaled back surgical volume at least monthly, and 51% named the CRNA and anesthesiologist shortage their single greatest challenge.
“A year ago, the data told us facilities were bracing for a shortage. This year, they’re living through it,” said Marc Koch, MD, CEO and president of SedAssure. “Cancellations, closed rooms and stalled growth are showing up on the schedule every week for half the facilities we surveyed.”
Interest in sedationist-led care is rising. While 60% of ASCs still run a traditional care-team model, 41% of leaders said they’d consider a sedationist-led approach. Endoscopy (61%) and pain management (55%) were named most often as procedure areas ready for the shift.
SedAssure launched in late 2025 to address the shortage, pairing sedation-trained physicians, nurses, nurse practitioners and physician assistants with standardized protocols, quality programs and optional remote monitoring aligned with Medicare Conditions of Participation and accreditation standards.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.
