Anesthesia

In November, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield proposed a policy that would have placed time limits on procedures using anesthesia in Missouri, New York and Connecticut. After receiving pushback from patients, physicians, and industry groups, the insurer withdrew the proposal.…

The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology has filed an appeal in a ruling that dismissed claims of payers unlawfully paying CRNAs less than physician anesthesiologists for providing the same services. The initial complaint was filed against HHS in September 2024,…

A jury awarded $7.25 million to David Irwin, MD, and his wife, Monica Zillen, after Dr. Irwin slipped and fell on ice and snow outside the UPMC Hamot Surgery Center in Erie, Pa., in 2014, Go Erie reported Sept. 16.…

Holograms are no longer just science fiction. “Holohealth,” could be the next evolution of telemedicine creating life-sized, interactive projections of physicians, offering patients an immersive and lifelike experience. A September 3 blog post by Coronis Health highlights how holographic medicine…

Cardiovascular anesthesiologists once stood at the top of anesthesia practices, often leading groups and earning the highest compensation due to their specialized training. Today, declining case volumes, reimbursement pressures and subsidy reductions have eroded their exceptional status. A September 8…

Private equity’s presence in anesthesia has been the subject of several recent lawsuits and studies on healthcare costs as the specialty becomes increasingly consolidated.  Here are eight notes private equity group’s recent moves in anesthesia: 1. A study published in…

Anesthesia is rapidly evolving as technology, policy and patient expectations reshape perioperative care. From artificial intelligence to non-opioid pain management, ASC leaders anticipate major advances in how anesthesia is delivered and supported over the next five years. Editor’s note: Responses…

As certified registered nurse anesthetists gain broader authority to practice independently in many states, and as anesthesia workforce shortages deepen, more ASCs are adopting CRNA-only anesthesia models. Dan Zahumensky, administrator of Seattle-based Proliance Surgeons’ ENT service line and executive director…

Anesthesia burnout continues to challenge hospitals and health systems. Some systems have already had to scale back case volumes because of provider shortages.  However, early evidence shows that schedule redesigns and flexibility initiatives may help stabilize the workforce. New Orleans-based…

Anesthesiologists and surgeons share the same operating room but face different pressures. Building a strong alliance between the two specialties is key to improving OR efficiency, patient outcomes and financial performance. Here are five keys to forging a functional anesthesiologist-surgeon…