Anesthesia

More than 35 independent anesthesiologists have banded together to form Chicago Anesthesia Locums, a subgroup of Midwest Anesthesia Partners.

The average annual wage for a nurse anesthetist in the U.S. is $214,200. 

ASCs are facing major obstacles to securing anesthesia coverage, and the decline in reimbursements is exacerbating the issue. 

The trial for Raynaldo Ortiz Jr., MD, an anesthesiologist who allegedly injected heart-stopping drugs into IV bags at Baylor Scott & White Surgicare North Dallas, began April 1, local Fox affiliate KDFW reported April 2. 

A Colorado anesthesiologist was arrested for alleged unlawful sexual contact, local NBC affiliate 9News reported April 1. 

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed Senate Bill 5184, introducing certified anesthesiologist assistant licensure, according to an April 1 report by The Ritz Herald.

While anesthesia reimbursements continue to plummet, most anesthesiologists would still take less pay for a better work-life balance, according to Medscape's "Anesthesiologist Lifestyle & Happiness Report," released March 8. 

The highest-paid anesthesiologist in Detroit earns $627,300 per year, according to Medscape's salary reporter tool, which is much higher than the mean annual wage of $302,970 anesthesiologists make according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Pay increases for certified registered nurse anesthetists outpace increases for anesthesiologists and other hospital-based providers, according to a report from healthcare consulting firm Veralon. 

A Spokane, Wash., anesthesiologist agreed to take ethics training following allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of a patient.