Having an in-house anesthesia team at a surgery center used to be extremely rare. However, with all the staffing shortages and reimbursement hurdles, bringing anesthesia in-house might be the only way to remain profitable.
Avanza’s Wes Battiste joined the HST Pathways “This Week in Surgery Centers” podcast to discuss how to do so successfully.
Here are a few of the takeaways Wes shared:
Better OR Utilization – Tailored staffing improves efficiency, flexibility, and scheduling coordination.
Financial Transparency & Optimization – In-house anesthesia means better control of revenue cycle, fewer bad debts, and stronger payer negotiations.
Stronger Recruitment + Retention – First-person referrals from existing staff and a culture of ownership make a big impact. Some centers are even offering equity to anesthesia providers.
Start with a Feasibility Study – Just like launching a new ASC, run the numbers. Look at your volume, payer mix, staffing model, and goals.
For more tips or to hear the full conversation, find “This Week in Surgery Centers” on your favorite podcast platform or watch the program via YouTube below.