Several hospitals across the U.S. have had to postpone surgeries this year amid anesthesia staffing challenges and contract disputes with anesthesia providers.
Here are three systems that have delayed procedures in 2025:
1. Corewell Health West Michigan (Grand Rapids, Mich.)
Corewell Health West Michigan is rescheduling surgeries due to a shortage of anesthesiologists and the impending termination of its contract with West Michigan Anesthesia. The health system plans to end its partnership with the anesthesia group in September, citing inadequate staffing as a primary concern. Corewell alleges the provider has failed to supply enough personnel, resulting in the postponement of multiple procedures.
2. MercyOne Medical Center (Des Moines, Iowa)
MercyOne Medical Center began delaying procedures in May following the dissolution of its long-standing relationship with Medical Center Anesthesiologists. On May 15, the health system announced it would end the partnership, stating that finding a new provider was “necessary.”
Just one week later, MercyOne established a new partnership with California-based Vituity to take over anesthesia services across its Central Iowa and Des Moines locations. The new arrangement began May 31. Despite the quick transition, MercyOne reported that it is now prioritizing surgeries on a case-by-case basis, leading to schedule shifts and delays for some patients.
3. Broward Health (Fort Lauderdale, Fla.)
In February, Broward Health postponed elective surgeries—including procedures like hip replacements—after severing ties with its longtime anesthesia partner, Anesco. Financial instability at Anesco led to widespread staffing issues, with some employees reporting they hadn’t been paid for over three weeks, and others receiving payment only after threatening to walk out.
During a Feb. 14 emergency hearing, a judge granted Broward Health permission to terminate its contract with Anesco, a move that helped the health system avoid further shutdowns of operating rooms.
The post 3 hospitals delaying surgeries from anesthesia coverage issues appeared first on Becker’s ASC.
