Anesthesia

Healthcare groups can safely restart elective procedures during the COVID-19 pandemic by evaluating community preparedness and prioritizing certain cases, according to the American Society of Anesthesiologists.

Melville, N.Y.-based North American Partners in Anesthesia acquired American Anesthesiology May 6.

In early April, CMS temporarily waived physician supervision requirements for certified registered nurse anesthetists due to the COVID-19 pandemic, according to Anesthesia Business Consultants President and CEO Tony Mira.

Seattle Children's Hospital's Bellevue (Wash.) Clinic and Surgery Center opened an opioid-free surgery center that uses artificial intelligence-based technology, HIT Consultant reports.

Norwood, Ohio-based Seven Hills Anesthesia is supporting local hospitals and practices as they reopen for elective cases, according to the Cincinnati Business Courier.

Six COVID-19 updates for anesthesia practices from Anesthesia Business Consultants:

ASCs should prepare for drug shortages and expect lower volumes when resuming elective procedures, according to joint guidance from the California Society of Anesthesiologists and the California Ambulatory Surgery Association.

Olympic Anesthesia in Bremerton, Wash., was devastated by the suspension of elective procedures, The Seattle Times reports.

The White House has paved the way for elective procedures to resume, and many states are beginning to relax related bans.

Nonessential procedure restrictions due to COVID-19 are wreaking havoc on finances for many medical practices.