Anesthesia

The ongoing shortage of anesthesiologists has been top of mind for many ASC leaders, with some facilities canceling or delaying procedures due to shortages of providers.

There are 33,470 actively practicing anesthesiologists in the U.S., according to the most recent Bureau of Labor Statistics employment survey. However, some cities are better populated with providers than others.

California has 5,380 anesthesiologists, the most of any state, according to May 2023 data from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Nearly 1,000 surgeries have been allegedly canceled after Modesto, Calif.-based Doctors Medical Center was cited in June for immediate jeopardy by CMS, according to a July 26 letter from California Assemblymen Heath Flora and Juan Alanis obtained by Becker's. 

The global market for anesthesia machines is expected to hit $14.1 billion in 2024, according to a July 29 report from FactMR. 

A class action lawsuit has been filed against Portland-based Providence Health and Oregon Anesthesiology Group after one anesthesiologists alleged negligence led to potential hepatitis and HIV exposures, NBC affiliate KGW reported July 28. 

Norfolk, Va.-based Sentara Health has largely phased out its use of desflurane in anesthesia, according to a July 25 WHRO News report. 

A new drug has shown potential to drastically decrease pain and opioid use for at least one week for patients who have undergone a bunionectomy, according to clinical trial results set to be published in the August 2024 issue of…

The University of Mobile (Ala.) celebrated its first graduates of its doctor of nurse anesthesia practice program, according to a July 22 report in The Baptist Paper. 

The shortage of anesthesia providers persists throughout the healthcare industry, as the Health Resources and Services Administration projects a shortage of up to 6,300 anesthesiologists by 2036, hitting rural areas particularly hard.