Physician shortages are prevalent in every healthcare specialty, causing worry for patients and executives alike. One major concern for practices is a decline in available anesthesia providers.
Jack Dillon, CEO of Grand Rapids, Mich.-based Anesthesia Practice Consultants, spoke with Becker's about the tight anesthesia labor market and why ASCs might have the upper hand when it comes to staff recruitment.
Question: Are you currently concerned about the tight anesthesia labor market?
Mr. Dillon: Extremely concerned. Anesthesia practices are struggling nationwide to hire staff as the desire to work has decreased and the number of rooms (anesthetizing locations) continues to climb. Groups need to get creative with how they are approaching recruitment and staffing.
Q: Can ASCs stay competitive with hospitals and big health systems when it comes to finding and retaining skilled anesthesia specialists?
JD: Absolutely. ASCs offer predictable hours and steady work to attract anesthesia staff. They're often better than hospitals and health systems.
Q: Are you concerned or hopeful about legislation allowing broader scope of practice or less physician oversight for CRNAs?
JD: Overall, we need to add more anesthesia staff to the workforce. That is the primary focus.