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UrduIn an unprecedented move, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield plans representing Connecticut, New York and Missouri have unilaterally declared they will no longer pay for anesthesia care if the surgery or procedure goes beyond an arbitrary time limit, regardless of how long the surgical procedure takes. The American Society of Anesthesiologists calls on Anthem to reverse this proposal immediately.
Tag: Anesthesiology
Harassment, Incivility, Disrespect in the Workplace Contributes to Anesthesia Workforce Shortage, Compromises Patient Safety
With the pervasiveness of harassment, incivility, and disrespect (HID) among health care professionals in the workplace impacting clinician well-being, patient health, and disproportionately affecting anesthesiology, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is providing new recommendations to help eradicate these behaviors in the operating room and hospitals.
Easy-to-use tool helps screen for anxiety, depression in children having surgery
A new, computerized, mental health assessment tool may allow doctors to quickly identify children experiencing anxiety or depression before surgery, suggests new research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2024 annual meeting.
Black, Asian, Hispanic trauma patients less likely to get lifesaving helicopter transport, finds first-of-its-kind study
Severely injured Black, Asian and Hispanic children and adults are less likely than white patients to receive critical helicopter ambulance services, which can make the difference between life and death, according to a study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2024 annual meeting.
Ibuprofen and other NSAIDs may reduce the risk of postoperative delirium
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help reduce patients’ risk of postoperative delirium, according to a study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2024 annual meeting.
Routine blood test can identify laboring women at risk for preeclampsia, prompt interventions to protect mom and baby
A simple blood test could help doctors identify women in labor who are at risk for preeclampsia — a leading cause of maternal death — and take precautions to prevent it, according to research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2024 annual meeting.
Exposure to Wildfire Smoke May Affect Patients Undergoing Surgery
Nearly 100 wildfires are currently raging throughout the country, burning more than 2 million acres.
New Research Identifies Less Invasive Method for Examining Brain Activity Following Traumatic Brain Injury
Johns Hopkins Medicine researchers have published new research that reports on a potential alternative and less-invasive approach to measure intracranial pressure (ICP) in patients.
Insurers Set to Ignore Sicker, More Complex Patients Starting July 15
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) calls on Aetna and Blue Cross Blue Shield of Illinois, Montana, New Mexico, Oklahoma and Texas to reverse their profit-driven plans to cease payments for anesthesia care provided to sicker, more complex patients based on the ASA Physical Status Classification System (ASA PS).
AANA President Appointed to VA’s National Research Advisory Council
Dru Riddle, PhD, DNP, CRNA, FAAN, president of the American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA), has been appointed to the Department of Veterans Affairs’ (VA) National Research Advisory Council by the Secretary of the VA, Denis McDonough.
American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology Announces 2024 Fellows Candidates
The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) recently announced that it has selected 49 distinguished leaders in the profession of nurse anesthesiology as candidates to be inducted into its 2024 Class of Fellows.
AANA Presents U.S. Representative Jen Kiggans With National Health Leadership Award
The American Association of Nurse Anesthesiology (AANA) recognized U.S. Representative Jen Kiggans (R-VA) as the winner of its National Health Leadership Award for 2024 at its Mid-Year Assembly, April 20-24, in Washington, DC.
Deeper sedation may help find difficult-to-detect polyps during colonoscopy
In patients undergoing colonoscopy to screen for colorectal cancer, deeper sedation using the anesthetic drug propofol may improve detection of “serrated” polyps — a type of precancerous lesion that can be difficult to detect, reports a study in the Online First edition of Anesthesiology, the peer-reviewed journal of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).
Embargoed: Mothers’ pain during C-sections sometimes not adequately controlled, anesthesiologists offer recommendations
Every year, 1.3 million cesarean sections (C-sections) are performed in the U.S., and the majority of mothers receive neuraxial anesthesia – an epidural or spinal – for a pain-free delivery. Although this type of anesthesia is common and proven safe…
Weight loss and diabetes management drug linked to increased residual gastric content before anesthesia
Safety concerns for patients undergoing anesthesia who use glucagon-like peptide-1 receptor agonists (GLP-1 RAs), which are medications approved for diabetes and weight management, were revealed in a UTHealth Houston study published today in JAMA Surgery.
From segregation to inspiration, James Griffin, M.D., is making history at Parkland and UT Southwestern
To call the connection James D. Griffin, M.D., has with UT Southwestern and Parkland Memorial Hospital lifelong is no exaggeration. Dr. Griffin was born at Parkland in 1958, when the labor and delivery ward was still segregated. More than six decades later, his colleagues at that hospital elected him President of the medical staff – the first Black physician to earn the honor.
American Society of Anesthesiologists Selects James P. Rathmell, M.D., MBA, as Editor in Chief of Anesthesiology Following Global Search
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is pleased to announce that James P. Rathmell, M.D., MBA, has been selected as editor in chief of Anesthesiology, ASA’s peer-reviewed medical journal. Dr. Rathmell has served as executive editor for Anesthesiology from 2012 to 2021, as creative and multimedia editor since 2021 and interim coeditor in chief with Deborah Culley, M.D., for the past seven months. Dr. Rathmell will start in his new position on January 1, 2024.
Opioid use disorder treatment associated with decreased risk of overdose after surgery, suggests first-of-its-kind study of over 4 million surgeries
Although people with opioid use disorder (OUD) are significantly more likely to overdose or have a complication after major surgery than those without the disorder, using medications for the treatment of OUD before surgery may eliminate that extra risk, suggests a large, first-of-its-kind study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2023 annual meeting.
Two easy fixes could reduce bleeding after cesarean delivery
Two simple solutions could help prevent severe bleeding (postpartum hemorrhage) after cesarean delivery, suggests research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2023 annual meeting. As the leading cause of maternal mortality in the U.S. at the time of birth, postpartum hemorrhage is more common after cesarean deliveries than vaginal births.
More patients go home instead of to long-term-care facility when sedation for common procedures is administered or directed by anesthesiologist
Patients who had common procedures performed outside of the operating room (OR) were more likely to go home instead of to a long-term care facility when they were discharged from the hospital if their sedation was administered or directed by an anesthesiologist, rather than by a physician who is not a trained anesthesiologist, according to a first-of-its-kind study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2023 annual meeting.
AI pain recognition system could help detect patients’ pain before, during and after surgery
An automated pain recognition system using artificial intelligence (AI) holds promise as an unbiased method to detect pain in patients before, during and after surgery, according to research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2023 annual meeting.
American Society of Anesthesiologists and Pacira BioSciences, Inc. Announce New Grant to Advance Education and Enhance Patient Care
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and Pacira BioSciences, Inc. (Nasdaq: PCRX), today announced a new grant of $2.5 million, by Pacira to the ASA Charitable Foundation, to advance the medical specialty of anesthesiology and pain medicine; facilitate best-in-class clinician education; and improve patient care.
Anesthesiology researcher pipeline lags behind other specialties
Anesthesiology researchers are responsible for some of medicine’s most significant advances, from the Apgar score that tests a newborn’s health to cardiopulmonary resuscitation (CPR). But the number of medical residents in the anesthesiology physician-scientist (researcher) pipeline trails other specialties, particularly among women, according to findings of the Anesthesia Research Council (ARC), published in the journal Anesthesia & Analgesia.
Anesthesiologist, Emergency Physician and Radiologist Groups Laud Court Decision, Urge HHS Action to Unfreeze Arbitration Process
In its fourth ruling regarding the flawed implementation of the No Surprises Act, the U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas agreed with the plaintiffs, the Texas Medical Association, that the government was incorrectly permitting insurers to use a faulty methodology when calculating their median in-network rate, also known as the qualifying payment amount (QPA). This TMA III ruling does not impact the patient protections included in the No Surprises Act that the American College of Radiology® (ACR®), (ACR), American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) advocated for and continue to fully support, nor does it raise patient out-of-pocket costs.
Medical associations commend Texas federal court Surprise Billing ruling—a win for patients and physicians
The American College of Radiology® (ACR®), American College of Emergency Physicians (ACEP) and American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) applaud the Aug. 3 U.S. District Court for the Eastern District of Texas’ ruling that the government’s exorbitant 600% fee increase to access the independent dispute resolution (IDR) process and its overly-restrictive “batching” limitations violate federal law. The ruling does not impact the patient protections included in the No Surprises Act, which ACR, ACEP and ASA advocated for and continue to support, nor does it raise patient out-of-pocket costs.
Anesthesiologists Denounce Another Year of Medicare Payment Cuts, Urge Immediate Reforms
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) condemned yet another year of cuts to Medicare payments for critically important anesthesia and pain medicine services. The proposed cuts, announced in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 2024 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS), represent the fifth consecutive year of either a pay freeze or payment cut for the services anesthesiologists provide to their patients as shown in the table below. The CMS-proposed Medicare payment cuts will compound the financial strain anesthesia practices are already facing.
Cannabis use associated with increased risk of surgical complications, according to UTHealth Houston study
People who are regular cannabis users are at an increased risk of experiencing complications before, during, and after surgery, according to a study by researchers with UTHealth Houston published today in JAMA Surgery.
Expert alert: Anesthesiologist-led consortium seeks to improve pain care in overlooked patients with chronic pain, substance use disorder and opioid tolerance
Guidelines for managing surgical pain omit patients with a history of chronic pain, substance use disorder and/or opioid tolerance. To address this disparity, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) gathered 15 medical organizations representing more than 500,000 physicians to develop…
Appellate Court Affirms Dismissal of Pacira’s Lawsuit Against ASA and Authors
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is extremely pleased that the decision in the lawsuit filed against ASA, the editor-in-chief of Anesthesiology – the official peer-reviewed scientific journal of ASA – and 11 contributing authors by Pacira Biosciences Inc., which was originally dismissed by the United States District Court for the District of New Jersey in 2022, has been affirmed by the United States Court of Appeals for the Third Circuit.
Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research Establishes Endowed NAM Fellowship
The Foundation for Anesthesia Education and Research (FAER) announced it has established an endowed National Academy of Medicine (NAM) fellowship to provide early-career anesthesiology scholars with the opportunity to experience and participate in committee, workshop, and roundtable activities of NAM and the National Academy of Sciences (NAS).
MALS Awareness Day sheds light on underdiagnosed painful GI condition
Most people – including physicians – are unfamiliar with a condition called Median Arcuate Ligament Syndrome (MALS), which causes debilitating chronic abdominal pain and gastrointestinal symptoms. That’s why getting diagnosed with MALS often can be a long and painful road…
Additional anesthesiology residency positions may help hospitals save costs, address projected workforce shortages of anesthesia care professionals
Expanding anesthesiology residency programs — even in the absence of federal funding — may help medical institutions save staffing costs and address projected shortages of anesthesia care professionals, suggests a first-of-its-kind study being presented at the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ ADVANCE 2023, the Anesthesiology Business Event.
Incorrectly recorded anesthesia start times cost medical centers and anesthesia practices significant revenue
Inaccurately recording the start of anesthesia care during a procedure is common and results in significant lost billing time for anesthesia practices and medical centers, suggests a study being presented at the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ ADVANCE 2023, the Anesthesiology Business Event.
Reducing anesthetics during surgery decreases greenhouse gases without affecting patient care, study shows
Anesthesiologists can play a role in reducing the greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global warming by decreasing the amount of anesthetic gas provided during procedures without compromising patient care, suggests new research being presented at the American Society of Anesthesiologists’ ADVANCE 2023, the Anesthesiology Business Event.
Mass Eye and Ear appoints Benjamin K. Mizell, MD, as Chief of Anesthesia
Benjamin K. Mizell, MD, an anesthesiologist with a proven track record of leading major Mass Eye and Ear initiatives including its electronic medical record integration, has been named chief of Anesthesia at Mass Eye and Ear.
American Society of Anesthesiologists Announces CEO Retirement and Succession Plan
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today announced that Paul Pomerantz, FACHE, chief executive officer, plans to retire at the end of his contract in April 2024.
Anesthesiologists Oppose 700% Increase in Fee to Access No Surprises Act Independent Dispute Resolution Process and Call for IDR Reforms
Today, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) expressed its outrage with the 700% surge in the No Surprises Act (NSA) administrative fee that must be paid by anesthesiologists to access the Federal Independent Dispute Resolution (IDR) system. ASA urges the government to block implementation of the massive fee increase and reform the IDR process.
Medicare Cuts to Physician Payments; Gravely Disappointing, says the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA)
Today, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) expressed its grave disappointment with Congressional leaders’ decision to cut Medicare payments for physicians as part of a large final end-of-year legislative package. The cuts will be effective January 1, 2023. Additional cuts will be implemented in January of 2024.
Novel Device Measures Nerve Activity That May Help Treatment Sepsis and PTSD
Engineers and physicians at UC San Diego have developed a device to non-invasively measure cervical nerve activity in humans, a new tool they say could potentially inform and improve treatments for patients with sepsis or post-traumatic stress disorder.
Program Shortens ICU Stays By 57% After Pediatric Liver Transplant
A pioneering protocol developed at Children’s Hospital Los Angeles is reducing overall opioid use, speeding rehabilitation and shortening intensive care unit (ICU) stays for pediatric liver transplant patients—including infants as young as 5 months old.
Expert alert: Anesthesiologists can discuss implications of new CDC opioid guidelines
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) yesterday released its long-awaited updated Guideline for Prescribing Opioids for Chronic Pain. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and its members – who are experts in pain medicine and have led the…
Donald E. Arnold, M.D., FASA, elected First Vice President of the American Society of Anesthesiologists
Donald E. Arnold, M.D., FASA, was today elected as first vice president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), the nation’s largest organization of physician anesthesiologists. Dr. Arnold was elected by the House of Delegates at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2022 annual meeting and will serve for one year.
American Society of Anesthesiologists names Michael W. Champeau, M.D., FASA, new president
American Society of Anesthesiologists names Michael W. Champeau, M.D., FASA, new president
American Society of Anesthesiologists honors James D. Grant, M.D., MBA, FASA, with its Distinguished Service Award
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today presented James D. Grant, M.D., MBA, FASA, with its 2021 Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his highly distinguished career as a physician anesthesiologist, enduring contributions to ASA members and deep commitment to advocating for the specialty and protecting patient safety.
Reducing Noise in Operating Room Improves Children’s Behavior After Surgery, Study Finds
Reducing the level of noise in the operating room (OR) may positively affect a child’s behavior, including fewer temper tantrums and more willingness to eat, in the days following surgery and anesthesia, according to research being presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2022 annual meeting.
American Society of Anesthesiologists recognizes Vivianne Tawfik, M.D., Ph.D., with its 2022 James E. Cottrell Presidential Scholar Award
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today presented Vivianne Tawfik, M.D., Ph.D., with its 2022 James E. Cottrell Presidential Scholar Award in recognition of her extraordinary contributions to the fundamental understanding of pain mechanisms to treat patients with chronic and post-surgical pain.
American Society of Anesthesiologists recognizes Kristin Schreiber, M.D., Ph.D., with its 2022 James E. Cottrell Presidential Scholar Award
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today presented Kristin Schreiber, M.D., Ph.D., with its 2022 James E. Cottrell Presidential Scholar Award in recognition of her exemplary translational research on post-surgical pain.
American Society of Anesthesiologists recognizes David O. Warner, M.D., with its Excellence in Research Award
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today presented David O. Warner, M.D., with its 2022 Excellence in Research Award in recognition of his extensive research efforts to help improve patient care before, during and after surgery.
American Society of Anesthesiologists recognizes Steven H. Rose, M.D., with its Excellence in Education Award
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today presented Steven H. Rose, M.D., with its 2022 Excellence in Education Award in recognition of his exemplary leadership in physician and graduate medical education.
Green eyeglasses reduce pain-related anxiety in fibromyalgia patients, study shows
Wearing special green eyeglasses for several hours a day reduces pain-related anxiety and may help decrease the need for opioids to manage severe pain in fibromyalgia patients and possibly others who experience chronic pain, according to a study being presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2022 annual meeting.