The average annual wage for a nurse anesthetist in the U.S. is $214,200. 

ASCs are facing major obstacles to securing anesthesia coverage, and the decline in reimbursements is exacerbating the issue. 

The trial for Raynaldo Ortiz Jr., MD, an anesthesiologist who allegedly injected heart-stopping drugs into IV bags at Baylor Scott & White Surgicare North Dallas, began April 1, local Fox affiliate KDFW reported April 2. 

A Colorado anesthesiologist was arrested for alleged unlawful sexual contact, local NBC affiliate 9News reported April 1. 

Washington Gov. Jay Inslee signed Senate Bill 5184, introducing certified anesthesiologist assistant licensure, according to an April 1 report by The Ritz Herald.

While anesthesia reimbursements continue to plummet, most anesthesiologists would still take less pay for a better work-life balance, according to Medscape's "Anesthesiologist Lifestyle & Happiness Report," released March 8. 

The highest-paid anesthesiologist in Detroit earns $627,300 per year, according to Medscape's salary reporter tool, which is much higher than the mean annual wage of $302,970 anesthesiologists make according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Pay increases for certified registered nurse anesthetists outpace increases for anesthesiologists and other hospital-based providers, according to a report from healthcare consulting firm Veralon. 

A Spokane, Wash., anesthesiologist agreed to take ethics training following allegations of sexual misconduct and abuse of a patient. 

The American Society of Anesthesiologists, along with other physician groups, has filed its fifth amicus brief supporting Texas Medical Association's lawsuit challenging the federal government's implementation of the No Surprises Act. 

Here are five anesthesiologists who have made headlines since March 5:

Pennsylvania anesthesiologist Richard Hubbell, MD, has been charged with diverting fentanyl and Dilaudid by falsifying records and reports at an ASC and hospital. 

The highest-paid anesthesiologist in Minneapolis earns $622,500 per year, according to Medscape's salary reporter tool, which is much higher than the mean annual wage of $302,970 anesthesiologists make according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Anesthesiologist and Texas state Rep. Tom Oliverson, MD, is running for Texas House speaker, Spectrum News 1 reported March 22. 

Thomas Durick, MD, anesthesiologist at Columbus-based Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, joined Becker's to discuss how he believes the anesthesia provider shortage will accelerate consolidation.

Anesthesiologists earn an average of $346,740 in Montana, the top-ranked state for physicians. 

Here are five updates regarding anesthesia that healthcare leaders should know:

Thomas Durick, MD, anesthesiologist at Columbus-based Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center, joined Becker's to discuss what he believes needs to change about the anesthesia reimbursement model.  

Anesthesiologists earn an average of $302,970 annually, according to May 2022 data from the Bureau of Labor statistics. 

Hospital mergers, which have become increasingly common, can dramatically change the way anesthesia practices function, according to a March 11 post by medical revenue cycle management group Coronis Health.