Across the nation, ASC leaders are navigating unprecedented challenges in anesthesia. Rising costs, limited reimbursement, and the need for efficiency have forced centers to innovate in ways that balance patient care with financial sustainability.
At Valley Regional Anesthesia Associates (Valley Regional Anesthesia Associates), we’ve seen firsthand how smart changes in anesthesia operations can transform both outcomes and efficiency. But we’re not alone: leaders across the country are rethinking how anesthesia fits into the ASC model. Recently, our CEO Joe Martin and two other ASC leaders discussed current challenges and solutions in a recent Becker’s interview. We’ve compiled some key highlights from Joe and two other ASC leaders in this article.
Shifting Staffing Models for Sustainability
In Redlands, California, Suzi Cunningham at Advanced Ambulatory Surgery Center described the difficult transition from an all-MD anesthesia team to an MD/CRNA model. The shift was driven by reimbursement realities, and the center has also limited general anesthesia cases on Fridays. While not ideal, these changes reflect the tough financial decisions required to keep services sustainable.
Collaboration is the Key to Efficiency
In Mesa, Arizona, Tracy Helmer, BSN, of Tri City Cardiology Surgical Center highlighted the value of collaboration with anesthesia clinicians. By engaging them directly in discussions about workflow, the team uncovered ways to reduce wasted time and create a more efficient, respectful environment. This shift was less about generating more billable units and more about maximizing the impact of existing case volume.
Our Centralized Approach
Based in Fresno, Joe Martin, CEO of Valley Regional Anesthesia Associates, has led a move toward centralized scheduling and staffing powered by real-time dashboards. Instead of managing anesthesia coverage site by site, Valley Regional Anesthesia Associates now leverages a single pool of clinicians deployed according to case load and acuity.
The outcomes have been significant:
- More predictable and timely starts
- Reduced reliance on costly locums
- Improved clinician satisfaction with balanced workloads
- Increased EBITDA margins by reducing wasted staffing costs
This model ensures clinicians are matched effectively to cases, benefiting both surgeons and patients while creating a healthier work–life balance for our anesthesia teams.
No More “Set And Forget” In ASC Operations
These stories highlight a critical truth: anesthesia operations in ASCs are no longer “set it and forget it.” They demand constant innovation, whether through staffing models, collaboration, or data-driven management. At Valley Regional Anesthesia Associates, we’re proud to be part of the movement that prioritizes patient safety, clinician satisfaction, and financial sustainability—all at once.
