From staffing challenges to shifting reimbursement policies, the anesthesia industry has faced a flurry of changes in the last year.
Cory Koenig, DO, vice president of operations at Providence Anesthesiology Associates in Charlotte, N.C., joined Becker’s to discuss how developments in the anesthesia landscape have impacted his facility over the last year.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length:
CK: The specialty is seeing a shift from full-time W2 workers to 1099 or locum work. Many workers take the lowest number of shifts and hours to qualify for benefits and then take on a side gig as an independent contractor. Our organization has experienced a bit of everything because of our vast footprint. Charlotte’s anesthesiologist market is strong, and being based in a desirable city gives us a huge advantage in the recruitment arena. Staffing some of our more rural areas can become extremely difficult. These positions have mainly become half-time positions wherein people travel and assume work week on/week off-type schedules. The CRNA market is competitive with hospital systems driving up costs to have the upper hand in the compensation package offer. Certainly, from time to time, there are CRNA shortages that cause ORs to shut down. Overall, thankfully, there is still a contingent that believes in being part of a true private practice anesthesia group. It has been our experience that many are fleeing private equity and hospital employment groups due to their dissatisfaction.
