Hospital administrators are reevaluating their anesthesia partnerships more frequently — and more critically — than ever before. At the center of these evaluations is the Request for Proposal, a formal process that, while often inconclusive, signals dissatisfaction and opens the door to competitive bids.
An April 7 blog post by Coronis Health outlines the evolving dynamics behind these decisions and what anesthesia groups should be prepared to address.
Four takeaways:
- Financial friction sparks most reviews.
Rising costs and changing reimbursement models now mean that most practices require hospital subsidies to operate. As those subsidies increase, hospitals start scrutinizing value. What begins as a budget conversation quickly grows into a full assessment of staffing levels, coverage expectations and operational performance — often leading to a formal RFP process. - Scope creep creates tension.
Hospital administrators frequently request additional coverage in areas that aren’t revenue-generating, such as obstetrics or GI labs. These expanded responsibilities increase staffing demands and strain the anesthesia group’s budget. Over time, these incremental asks — known as scope creep — become a flashpoint in contract negotiations, pushing administrators to consider alternative partners who may promise more for less. - Long-term contracts offer less protection.
Historically, tenure provided a sense of security for anesthesia practices. But today, even long-standing groups are vulnerable — especially when subsidy negotiations drag on or fall apart. Some hospitals opt to replace independent practices with large national staffing firms or even create their own employed anesthesia departments in search of better alignment and cost control. - Customer service and operating room efficiency matter more than ever.
In addition to delivering safe care, hospitals increasingly expect anesthesia teams to enhance patient satisfaction and OR performance. Metrics such as first-case start times and turnover rates are now baked into many service agreements. Anesthesiologists and CRNAs are expected to function as key team players alongside surgeons and OR staff, contributing directly to surgical suite efficiency and overall facility reputation.
The post Why hospitals change anesthesia providers: 4 key drivers appeared first on Becker’s ASC.
