Olean, N.Y.-based Southern Tier Anesthesiologists is losing its contract with Olean General Hospital, which the group served since 1994, the Olean Times Herald reports.
Here's what you should know:
1. Buffalo, N.Y.-based Great Lakes Anesthesiology will provide anesthesia services at OGH beginning Jan. 1, 2019. Great Lakes is the anesthesia provider at Bradford (Pa.) Regional Medical Center and Oishei Children’s Hospital of Buffalo.
2. OGH put out a request for proposal earlier this year to solicit bids from other anesthesia groups. OGH reportedly told Southern Tier Anesthesiologists officials the decision didn't have to do with their quality of service.
3. STA didn't disclose the value of the group's current contract or bid, but STA President Stephen Carlson, MD, implied the group wasn't asking for more money. Great Lakes likely underbid STA, according to STA Business Office Coordinator Donelle Shelc.
4. OGH is the only hospital in the immediate area. Southern Tier Anesthesiologists' six anesthesia physicians, two certified registered nurse anesthetists and two office employees will have little choice but to move and practice elsewhere, according to Ms. Shelc.
5. Dr. Carlson said the group hasn't determined whether it will stay together or disband.