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.
Tag: Anesthesiology
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.
Organizations Stand with American Society of Anesthesiologists in Support of Scientific Discovery as Pacira Legal Battle Continues
The American Medical Association (AMA), Association of American Publishers (AAP), Counsel of Medical Specialty Societies (CMSS), American Society for Clinical Pharmacology & Therapeutics (ASCPT), and Foundation for Individual Rights and Expression (FIRE), filed amicus briefs in support of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) after Pacira Biosciences Inc., appealed its dismissed lawsuit filed against ASA, the editor-in-chief of Anesthesiology, ASA’s official peer-reviewed medical journal – and 11 contributing authors.
Expert Available: Can discuss protecting anesthesiologists, health care workers from monkeypox
Around since 1970, monkeypox has rarely been seen outside of Africa. Until this year. More than 18,000 Americans have been infected – about a third of all cases worldwide – and the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) has…
American Society of Anesthesiologists Hosts ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2022
Adults who use cannabis consume more opioids after surgery. Reducing noise in the operating room (OR) improves postoperative behavior in children, including decreased temper tantrums and fussiness about eating. Minorities are less likely to have patient-centered end-of-life care. These are among the important research findings being presented at ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2022, the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), Oct. 21-25 in New Orleans.
Current Insurer Calculation of Qualified Payment Amount for Out-of-Network (OON) Care May Violate No Surprises Act
In possible violation of the No Surprises Act, health insurance company calculations of Qualified Payment Amounts (QPA) for anesthesiology, emergency medicine and radiology services (and possibly other specialty services) likely include rates from primary care provider (PCP) contracts. A new study conducted by Avalere Health and commissioned by three national physician organizations examined a subpopulation of PCPs and determined that contracting practices may directly impact the QPA.
Increased Precision and Safety in Spinal Tap with PASS – An Ultrasound-Guided Lumbar Puncture Procedure
PASS (Point-Assisted Spinal Sonography), an ultrasound-guided lumbar puncture device from Chula doctors and engineers, helps increase the precision and confidence in spinal tap procedures while reducing risks and pain for patients.
Mindfulness Meditation Reduces Pain by Separating it from the Self
Mindfulness meditation is effective in reducing pain relief; UC San Diego study reveals the underlying neural circuitry.
New Medicare Fee Schedule Rule Further Illustrates a Broken Payment System
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) announced its opposition to additional Medicare payment cuts included in the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services’ (CMS) 2023 Physician Fee Schedule (PFS). Within the fee schedule, CMS proposed Medicare payment cuts to the Anesthesia Conversion Factor and in revised injection codes where imaging is now bundled – reductions that compound the financial strain anesthesia groups are already facing.
New Drugs with High Abuse Potential More Likely to Be Approved, Go to Market to Treat Pain
CHICAGO – “Despite the prevalence and societal costs of pain in the United States, investment in pain medication development is low, due in part to poor understanding of the probability of successful development of such medications,” said the authors of a study published Online First in Anesthesiology, the official peer-reviewed journal of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).
Spinal Anesthesia Linked to Higher Painkiller Use in Hip Fracture Patients
A study examining pain and prescription use among hip fracture patients compared outcomes among those who had spinal anesthesia and those who had general anesthesia
Outpatient joint replacement surgery benefits patients
Outpatient surgery may be an option for people who are having their hips, knees or other joints replaced. It is part of a trend in orthopedic surgery to move total joint arthroplasty, commonly known as joint replacement, from inpatient to outpatient surgery.
Dr. Kevin Vorenkamp From Duke University Named 2021 ASRA Presidential Scholar
The American Society of Regional Anesthesia and Pain Medicine Presidential Scholar Award recognizes outstanding scientific and sustained contributions to regional anesthesia and acute or chronic pain medicine over the preceding 10 years.
Women Anesthesiologists Less Likely to Be at High End of Salary Range; Gender Pay Gap Continues, Reflects Reduced Pay of $32,600 Yearly
A study published today in Anesthesia & Analgesia® shows that a significant pay gap is associated with gender in the compensation of physician anesthesiologists even after adjusting for potential factors, including age, hours worked, geographic practice region, practice type, position and job selection criteria. Women anesthesiologists are 56% less likely to be paid at the higher end of salary ranges compared to men anesthesiologists. The study was funded by the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
American Society of Anesthesiologists Welcomes Masimo as Industry Supporter
The American Society of Anesthesiologists today announced Masimo, a maker of innovative, noninvasive patient monitoring technologies, as an ASA Industry Supporter for the ninth year, supporting the work of the Society and physician anesthesiologists to improve patient safety and reduce reliance on opioids during or following surgical procedures.
Editor-in-Chief Debunks SARS-CoV-2 Origin Myths, Urges Media & Public to Rely on Science, not Science Fiction
Scientific evidence strongly supports that SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes the COVID-19 disease, occurred when a virus circulating in animals transferred to humans, according to a commentary publishing in the August edition of ASA Monitor, the official news publication of the American Society of Anesthesiologists.
ASA and PSA Applaud New Pennsylvania Law Requiring Physician Oversight of Anesthesia Care
The American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Pennsylvania Society of Anesthesiologists today applaud Gov. Tom Wolf, who signed Senate Bill 416 which puts into law physician oversight of anesthesia care and ensures patient safety remains a top priority.
Defending Science And The First Amendment, ASA Asks Federal Judge To Dismiss Pacira’s Lawsuit
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) asked United States District Judge Madeline Cox Arleo on June 11 to see the “trade libel” suit filed by Pacira BioSciences two months ago for what it is: an egregious and unjustified public relations campaign that seeks to chill scientific research and debate about Pacira’s controversial drug EXPAREL (liposomal bupivacaine). In its case, Pacira disputes the conclusions of peer-reviewed articles and an editorial in the February 2021 issue of Anesthesiology that EXPAREL lacks a comparative benefit over standard bupivacaine, even though it costs 100 times as much.
American Society of Anesthesiologists Makes Recommendations to Biden Admin.: Implement ‘No Surprises Act’ Equitably Without Improper Advantage to Health Insurers
Today, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) requested the Biden administration include a series of recommendations in its regulations to implement the “No Surprises Act,” the new federal surprise medical bill law, that will be implemented on January 1, 2022. ASA’s recommendations aim to ensure that the law is implemented fairly and equitably without improper benefit to health insurance companies.
New High for Migraine Treatment? Trial Looks at Effectiveness of THC, CBD
UC San Diego Health is conducting the first known randomized, double-blind, placebo-controlled clinical trial looking at cannabis as a potentially effective treatment for acute migraines.
Pacira Withdraws Motion to Seek Retraction of Anesthesiology Studies
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is pleased that Pacira Biosciences appeared before a federal magistrate judge on May 7, 2021, and withdrew its motion for a preliminary injunction to force Anesthesiology to retract two papers and an editorial concerning EXPAREL, published in the February 2021 issue.
ASA Calls on National Medical and Nursing Organizations to Reject Medical Title Manipulation
Medical title manipulation, a growing concern across health care and medical specialties, confuses patients and creates discord in the care setting, ultimately risking patient safety. Today, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) calls on the Council on Accreditation of Nurse Anesthesia Educational Programs, the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists, and the National Council of State Boards of Nursing to reject any requests to manipulate and misappropriate medical titles.
Sleep disorders and surgery: Anesthesia & Analgesia marks first decade of the Society of Anesthesia and Sleep Medicine
An estimated 50 million people undergo surgery each year in the United States, and a significant proportion of them have undiagnosed or untreated sleep disorders (SD) or sleep-disordered breathing (SDB). Issues at the intersection of anesthesiology and sleep medicine are the focus of the Society of Anesthesia and Sleep Medicine (SASM) whose 10th anniversary is commemorated in the special theme May issue of Anesthesia & Analgesia.
ASA Announces Strategic Change to its Meetings Services Model with SmithBucklin Partnership
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today announced a strategic change to its meetings services model by partnering with SmithBucklin, a firm with decades of innovation and excellence in designing and producing association events. ASA will partner with SmithBucklin to deliver its ANESTHESIOLOGY® and Practice Management™ meetings.
Arkansas Society of Anesthesiologists and American Society of Anesthesiologists Applaud Arkansas Senate Public Health Committee on Passing SB 505 Giving Protection to Patients Prescribed Opioids
The Arkansas Society of Anesthesiologists (ARSA) and the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today applaud bill sponsor Sen. Cecile Bledsoe and the Arkansas Senate Public Health, Labor and Welfare Committee for helping to ensure the safety of patients prescribed opioids. Arkansas State Drug Director Kirk Lane and Jonathan Goree, M.D., a physician anesthesiologist and pain medicine specialist, testified for the bill.
Aspirin Use May Decrease Ventilation, ICU admission and Death in COVID-19 Patients
George Washington University researchers found low dose aspirin may reduce the need for mechanical ventilation, ICU admission and in-hospital mortality in hospitalized COVID-19 patients. Final results indicating the lung protective effects of aspirin were published today in Anesthesia & Analgesia.
ASA Applauds New Hampshire Supreme Court’s Decision to Ban Nurses’ Use of Physician Term, Anesthesiologist
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today applauds the New Hampshire Supreme Court for upholding the New Hampshire Board of Medicine’s decision that health care professionals using the term “anesthesiologist” must be licensed physicians and meet all of the requirements to practice medicine in the state.

14 Medical Specialty Organizations Achieve Pathway to Collaborative Guide for Acute Surgical Pain
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) hosted a virtual pain summit on February 20, 2021 with 14 medical specialty societies to discuss acute surgical pain principles that will serve as the basis for a multi-society acute pain resource. The first-of-its-kind event brought together a group of representing the major surgical stakeholders in acute pain management with the goal of reaching consensus on important principles regarding the treatment of perioperative pain. These principles will be developed into a guiding resource for clinicians and all members of the surgical care team in 2021.
Overwhelming Number of Veterans and Citizens Urge VA to Uphold Physician-Led Anesthesia Care to Protect Veterans’ Lives
The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is gratified by the overwhelming concern from Veterans, their families, the medical community and concerned citizens about a rule from the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) that would remove physician supervision from anesthesia care in VA. More than 10,000 comments were submitted, including more than 3,000 from Veterans and their family members, in support of maintaining safe, high-quality physician anesthesiologist-delivered or physician-led anesthesia care for our nation’s Veterans, out of the 13,000 comments submitted overall.
6 Simple Steps Physician Anesthesiologists Can Lead on to Reduce Older Adults’ Risk of Surgery-related Delirium
A new paper defines the key practical steps that can be taken before, during, and after surgery to reduce patients’ risk of developing delirium and related problems that have long-term implications for brain health. Due to their unique role in perioperative care, physician anesthesiologists are ideally suited to lead multidisciplinary teams to implement these recommendations devoted to ensuring safety for all patients.
American Society of Anesthesiologists and the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation Offer Guidance on Surgery for Post-COVID-19 Infected Patients
A new surgical patient demographic has emerged during COVID-19; patients who have recovered from the virus. To help hospitals, surgeons, anesthesiologists and proceduralists evaluate and schedule essential and elective surgeries for these patients, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and the Anesthesia Patient Safety Foundation (APSF) offer the following guidance as hospitals need to perform surgery even as the country continues to grapple with the pandemic.
Proposed Medicare Cuts Threaten Anesthesiology Practices Already Struggling Amid Pandemic
Medicare has finalized a regulation mandating drastic cuts to its payment rates for important health care services, threatening the practices of physician anesthesiologists who have been on the front lines of the battle against the COVID-19 pandemic. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) opposes these detrimental payment reductions, and urges Congress to take immediate action to override the cuts and ensure physician anesthesiologists can continue to care for their patients while being fairly compensated for their work.
American Society of Anesthesiologists Urges Medicare to Keep Physician-led Anesthesia Care to Protect Older Patients and Patients with Disabilities
The U.S. Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) recently issued a request for information regarding waivers declared during the COVID-19 pandemic, including one that removed physician anesthesiologists from anesthesia care and replaced them with nurses. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) urges Americans to protect older patients and those with disabilities by posting a comment to the Federal Register asking the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) to rescind the temporary policy that lowers the standard of care and risks patients’ lives.