Dr. Wherry discussed strategies for reducing anesthesia costs with Becker’s ASC Review, highlighting the need to explore less costly alternatives for anesthetics. “For example, propofol is not as expensive as it used to be, but you still want to make sure you’re using smaller vials to minimize waste,” he says. “You can only use one vial per patient, so if you’re cracking open a lot of bigger vials, you’re probably wasting a lot.” Additionally, bupivacaine costs significantly less than ropivacaine and can often be used in its place, he says.
In addition to maintaining a full-time clinical anesthesia and pain practice, Dr. Wherry has served as medical director for the national surgery center management company Health Inventures since 1996. At Health Inventures, he has collaborated with professionals in the United Kingdom, Japan and Kuwait to improve the delivery of anesthesia care.
Board certified in both anesthesiology and pain management, Dr. Wherry graduated from Ohio State University and earned his MD from the University of Cincinnati. He completed a residency in anesthesiology at Johns Hopkins Hospital. He is currently a member of First Colonies Anesthesia Associates, a group that employs over 140 anesthesiologists, and has served as a board member for the group’s management arm.
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.
