Anesthesia

Anesthesia providers are in the process of transitioning to value-based care reimbursement systems and pushing for inclusion in innovative models supported by CMS, according to a Jan. 24 report from law firm Whiteford in JDSupra.

Houston-based Northwest Anesthesiology and Pain Services agreed to pay $999,999 to settle allegations it violated the False Claims Act and Stark law. 

Private equity has had an increased presence in the anesthesia industry, as reimbursement declines and staffing shortages push more anesthesia practices toward consolidation. 

Both state and federal legislatures are tackling anesthesia-based bills in 2025. Here are four key pieces of legislation to know: 

Illinois state Rep. Bill Hauter, MD, a Republican, has sponsored a bill making it illegal for insurance companies to place a time limit on anesthesia payment coverage, according to a Jan. 21 report from NPR affiliate WGLT.

On Jan. 8, legislation was introduced in the Virginia House of Delegates that would eliminate supervision requirements for certified registered nurse anesthetists.

As anesthesia practices review the past year and plan ahead, analyzing core data and metrics retrospectively can shape future strategies and drive greater success.

With the passage of the American Relief Act, 2025, certain telehealth flexibilities initially introduced during the public health emergency (PHE) era have been extended. These provisions, however, are only authorized through March 31, 2025.

Legislation has been introduced in the Missouri House of Representatives that would prevent insurers in the state from limiting coverage for anesthesia, according to a Jan. 17 report from the St. Louis Post-Dispatch.

The Federal Trade Commission announced a settlement with Welsh, Carson, Anderson and Stowe, the private equity firm backing U.S. Anesthesia Partners.