Podcast episode discusses the anesthesia provider shortage in ASCs

Editor's Note

In a January 9 episode of the Advancing Surgical Care Podcast, ASCA President Mark Wainner engaged Alfonso del Granado, MBA, FACHE, CASC, an ASCA Board member and administrator of Covenant High Plains Surgery Center in Lubbock, Texas, in a discussion focusing on the pressing issue of anesthesia provider shortages confronting ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs).

In the episode, Del Granado shared several management techniques to optimize the utilization of anesthesia providers within ASCs. A primary strategy involves efficient scheduling of anesthesia providers to ensure their skills are maximally leveraged across various procedures. By implementing more meticulous scheduling practices, ASCs can get more provider productivity and maintain high standards of patient care despite staffing constraints.

Another approach discussed is managing a balanced mix of patients with commercial and government insurance. Del Granado emphasized that a strategic payer mix is essential for the financial health of ASCs. By carefully balancing the proportion of patients covered by different insurance types, ASCs can better navigate reimbursement challenges and sustain operations effectively.

The conversation also touched upon the broader implications of the anesthesia provider shortage, highlighting the need for ASCs to adopt innovative solutions to maintain service quality. Del Granado's insights offer valuable guidance for ASC administrators seeking to address staffing shortages proactively.

This podcast episode is part of ASCA's ongoing efforts to provide resources and discussions pertinent to the challenges faced by ASCs nationwide. To hear the full discussion, access the podcast episode through the link below.