Here are five key numbers on the anesthesia provider shortage to know:
1. Nearly 30% of anesthesiologists are predicted to leave the practice by 2033, according to a 2023 white paper from Medicus Healthcare Solutions, leading to a shortage of 12,500 anesthesiologists.
2. More than 17% of anesthesiologists are nearing retirement, and 56% are older than 55, according to Medicus.
3. More than 2,872 anesthesiologists left the workforce from 2021 to 2022, according to a report from Definitive Healthcare.
4. The shortage is exacerbated by reimbursement declines. Medicare’s average anesthesia rate for 2023 was $21.88, a 5.5% decline from 2019, according to an analysis by Coronis Health.
5. Medicare reimbursements for anesthesia services decreased from $22.2730 per unit in 2019 to $21.1249 in 2023, another analysis from VMG Health found.
At the Becker’s 32nd Annual Meeting: The Business and Operations of ASCs, taking place October 29-31 in Chicago, ASC leaders, surgeons and healthcare executives will explore strategies to drive growth, enhance operational performance, navigate reimbursement challenges and prepare for the future of ambulatory surgery. Apply for complimentary registration now.