Anesthesia

In 2021, the protocol for evaluation and management billing use expanded to allow for the flexibility of choosing a billing code based on either time or medical decision-making. How has this change by CMS affected coding patterns of anesthesiologists?

Anesthesia provider shortages and declining anesthesia reimbursements are two of the biggest issues ASC leaders are facing. 

Here are three physician-led anesthesia groups to know:

Here are nine headlines on anesthesiology the ASC industry should know, as reported by Becker's since Jan. 3:

U.S. Defense Secretary Lloyd Austin has undergone general anesthesia for "non-surgical procedures," related to a bladder issue. 

Anesthesiologists were among the 10 highest-paid physician specialties in 2023, and have been among those ranks each year since 2013.

CMS reimbursements for physicians are on the decline, affecting every specialty nationwide.

Anesthesiologist shortages have been sweeping the nation, forcing major hospital systems to cancel procedures as ASCs and inpatient systems alike continue to fight for top talent. 

A Lubbock, Texas-based anesthesiologist has been accused of violating a medical license restriction more than 60 times in two months and has been temporarily barred from practicing, Lubbock Avalanche-Journal reported Feb. 9. 

Surgeries at two Providence hospitals were down by almost 50% in December and January amid an anesthesiologist shortage, The Oregonian reported Feb. 9.