Anesthesia coverage continues to be one of the most pressing issues facing ASCs.
Leaders across the ASC and anesthesia landscape joined Becker’s to discuss targeted changes that could address these growing challenges and help stabilize the field in the long term.
1. Boost the anesthesia pool
The shortage of anesthesiologists, certified registered nurse anesthetists and anesthesiologist assistants is a foundational problem for ASCs.
Tina Driggers, administrator of Winter Haven, Fla.-based DISC Day Surgery Center, called for a long-term solution focused on increasing the number of anesthesia providers.
“We will need to increase our MD/CRNA/AA graduates and training facilities,” she said. “In the meantime, we will need to address remuneration with commercial insurance carriers about the volume of care, higher acuity of the patients, patient outcomes and satisfaction.”
Alan Wagner, MD, an ophthalmologist at the Wagner Kapoor Institute, emphasized the need for specialized training designed for the ASC environment.
“This could include developing specialized training that emphasizes efficiency, safety and the unique aspects of outpatient care,” he said. “Additionally, creating more flexible work arrangements or partnerships with anesthesia groups could help ensure that ASCs have consistent access to qualified professionals, ultimately improving patient care and operational efficiency.”
2. Reforming reimbursement models
Low and inequitable reimbursement remains a critical barrier for both anesthesia providers and the centers that depend on them.
Bruce Feldman, administrator at Eastern Orange ASC, was direct on this issue: “The one thing I would change is to have third-party payers significantly increase their reimbursement for anesthesia,” he said.
Neeraja Kikkeri, DDS, CEO of North Texas Team Care Surgery in Mesquite, echoed the concern.
“ASCs are forced to subsidize anesthesia staffing in order to retain qualified professionals,” she said. “This presents a major issue and unless insurance companies acknowledge the impact of this situation, it remains unclear how ASCs can effectively move forward.”
Vijay Sudheendra, MD, president of Narragansett Bay Anesthesia, proposed a solution involving “equitable reimbursement model for anesthesia services across all payers,” which he said could reduce subsidies, stabilize finances and improve recruitment.
He also laid out strategies to support this change:
- Efficient scheduling to maximize productivity
- Operational improvements like standardizing OR times
- Payer mix management for balanced reimbursement
- Innovative delivery models that reduce cost without sacrificing quality
3. Leveraging technology and data
In a rapidly digitizing healthcare environment, leaders are pushing for better integration of data and predictive technologies in anesthesia.
Sean Gipson, division CEO and president of Remedy Surgery Center, said “improving the integration of advanced anesthesia monitoring technologies and predictive analytics, which could enable tailored regimens, real-time dose adjustment and smoother recoveries.”
“By utilizing AI-driven predictive tools and enhanced monitoring, ASCs could optimize both safety and efficiency, helping to overcome staffing challenges and improving overall patient care,” he said.
4. Expanding licensing for anesthesiologist assistants
Scope-of-practice restrictions also contribute to anesthesia access limitations, especially in states with tighter regulations.
Adamina Podraza, MD, medical director at Deerpath Ambulatory Surgical Center in Morris, Ill., proposed expanding licensing for anesthesiologist assistants.
“Allowing AAs to practice in more states under anesthesiologist supervision would strengthen physician-led anesthesia care, enhancing patient safety and more reliable coverage for ASCs,” she said.
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