Blog posts by rita-astani

Summary For the last several years, anesthesia providers have been able to rely on a clear standard for determining whether or not an anesthesia service should be considered a general anesthetic. That standard may be going away.  It’s something that philologists and etymologists would readily affirm: words and their meaning tend to be a moving […]

Summary Not every anesthesia practice has a winning strategy when it comes to the all-important relationship with the hospital. Today’s article addresses the dynamics of that relationship and how anesthesia groups can successfully manage it. Too many anesthesia practices are experiencing a less than collaborative relationship with the administration of the facility where they provide […]

Summary Every November, the federal government issues its physician fee schedule for the following year. The rule for 2024 contains provisions that will impact all specialties. Today’s alert looks at the possible impact the 2024 final rule will have on anesthesia providers, in particular.  The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) has released its […]

Summary There is a difference between what a billing service can do and what a collection agency can do. There are also differences in agencies. Despite these differences, an anesthesia group must align itself with a collection agency, but it must manage its expectations.  Many anesthesia providers often ask this question: if we have contracted […]

Summary In response to a recent federal court ruling, HHS and other departments have proposed a new fee amount for accessing the IDR process under the No Surprises Act.  The rollercoaster ride continues. Many of us actually enjoy the ride. The ups and downs and the change in direction and acceleration can be quite thrilling. That’s […]

Summary Regardless of how a medical group’s management is set up and functioning, there is no guarantee those in leadership will remain in place for an extended period. There must be processes in place to find and train the leaders of the future.  Effective management of any medical practice must include three distinct roles, which […]

Summary Bigger may not always be better. Sometimes it just makes you the easy target. That’s what one anesthesia “supergroup” has just learned as it finds itself the subject of a federal lawsuit. More importantly, the legal action may have widespread implications for the anesthesia specialty as a whole.  It’s not a pleasant prospect. Being […]

Summary There are a number of factors that contribute to the success of an anesthesia practice. The same can be said for a practice’s failure. Today’s article looks at these factors and suggests what works best to keep the group afloat. It has been the plan and aspiration of every founder of an anesthesia practice […]

Summary How do anesthesia providers account for time spent in cases that contain a delay on either the front end or back end? Today’s alert provides recommended solutions for such scenarios.  It happens occasionally.  A teacher waits for a delayed parent to pick up the last remaining child at the end of a school day.  […]

Summary Today’s anesthesia providers have choices insofar as the kind of practice they want to join. Each type of practice has its benefits and drawbacks. These determinants are often based on group size. Is joining a bigger practice the right choice for all? Today’s alert digs into that question. Is big better when it comes […]