Anesthesia

More than 15 anesthesia leaders — anesthesiologists and certified registered nurse anesthetists — joined Becker's to discuss how the anesthesia workforce will evolve over the next five years. 

Here are seven anesthesia lawsuits that Becker's has reported on since Jan. 1:

In the last six months, 16.6% more nurse anesthetists have billed Medicare than anesthesiologists, according to a Center for Anesthesia Workforce Studies report published Feb. 7 by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. 

In February, the American Society of Anesthesiologists issued guidance surrounding the use of ketamine in patients suffering from post-traumatic stress disorder, treatment-resistant depression and other mood disorders.

Currently, 100,391 anesthesia professionals are on the Medicare payroll in 2025, according to a Center for Anesthesia Workforce Studies report published Feb. 7 by the American Society of Anesthesiologists. 

Washington state lawmakers are considering allocating $840,000 to the state's Department of Ecology to study the impact of anesthesia gas on the environment. 

All physician specialties are facing growing reimbursement pressures that lead to burnout. This burnout is especially being felt by anesthesia providers. 

In late 2024, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield proposed a policy that would have imposed time limits on anesthesia reimbursements in Missouri, New York, and Connecticut. Following strong opposition from physicians, patients and industry groups, Anthem reversed the policy.

Two Florida lawmakers have filed legislation to grant CRNAs the ability to practice without physician supervision, according to a Feb. 18 report from The Capitolist.

Fort Lauderdale, Fla.-based Broward Health has been forced to postpone elective surgeries after breaking ties with its long-term anesthesia group.