Q: What is a mistake you have seen surgery centers make that hindered an effective relationship with it anesthesiologists and what could the surgery center have done to avoid making that mistake?
Michael Duronio: The biggest mistake, in my opinion, that surgery centers make in regards to anesthesia relations is the failure to recognize anesthesia as more than a commodity or necessity to get the surgery done. They fail to realize that anesthesia service groups can provide more than "putting the patient to sleep and waking them up". For example, anesthesia groups work in concurrence with surgery center administrators and physicians to ensure that quality, cost-effective care is maintained throughout the perioperative period. Here are a few examples of how anesthesia groups can help to offset costs:
- Develop pre-admission testing policies to improve PAT efficiency and reduce man-power needs;
- Work with materials management to reduce supply costs. This includes eliminating unnecessary or high-cost equipment while maintaining high quality care;
- Work with the pharmacies to reduce drug costs;
- Develop strong physician relations; and
- Work closely with the administration to develop policies and procedures, as well as ensuring the highest standards of care that meet or exceed all federal and/or state accrediting requirements.
Learn more about Anesthesia Staffing Consultants.
Read more practical guidance on improving efficiency with anesthesiologists:
- ASCs Subsidizing Anesthesiologists: Q&A With Dr. Thomas Wherry of Health Inventures
- 4 Ways ASCs Can Improve Relationships Between Surgeons and Anesthesiologists
- 3 Steps to Involve Anesthesia in ASC Cost Reduction Efforts