The anesthesia workforce shortage has been persistent across healthcare for years, forcing leaders to shift strategies and adapt workflows to meet a demand for surgical services that shows no signs of slowing down.
Garo Derparseghian, MD, an anesthesiologist at Los Angeles-based Pacific Coast Anesthesia, recently joined Becker’s to discuss how anesthesia strategy has changed over the last several years — and where it might go next.
Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for clarity and length:
Question: How has your approach to anesthesia procurement, management or workflow changed over the last few years?
Dr. Garo Derparseghian: The biggest shift has been moving away from a per-case approach to a more consistent coverage model. In ASCs, success depends on having reliable anesthesia presence that supports the full day, not just scheduled cases. There is also more focus on improving schedule efficiency, reducing same-day cancellations and minimizing handoffs to maintain flow.
Q: What trends do you think will define anesthesia management at ASCs in the future? Where does the pendulum swing next?
GD: ASCs are continuing to take on more complex cases, which increases the need for anesthesia involvement in patient selection and perioperative planning. At the same time, there is growing recognition that dependable anesthesia coverage has value beyond individual case volume. The groups that will stand out are physician-led anesthesia teams that provide reliability, flexibility and strong day-to-day coordination.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.