For Policymakers

From the American Society of Anesthesiologists 

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As medical doctors and leaders of the Anesthesia Care Team, anesthesiologists ensure the safest and best outcomes for all patients. That’s why laws in most states and the policies of the nation’s top hospitals require physician-led anesthesia care. Removing anesthesiologists from care raises risks for patients without expanding health care access or reducing costs. Don’t jeopardize your constituents. Preserve physician-led anesthesia care.

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Leading care with unmatched expertise

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Anesthesiologists value all anesthesia providers and the teamwork that goes into providing patients with the highest-quality care. They evaluate, monitor, and supervise patients before, during, and after surgery and lead the Anesthesia Care Team to ensure optimal patient safety. Nurses and other nonphysician practitioners are trained primarily to administer anesthesia, not to make critical decisions during surgery. Anesthesiologists’ extensive education and training have prepared them to make those crucial choices that can mean the difference between life and death.

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Providing high-quality care and reducing costs

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Anesthesiologists’ services are reimbursed by Medicare, Medicaid, and most third-party insurers at the same rate as services provided by nurse anesthetists. But anesthesiologists’ involvement and leadership play a critical role in controlling health care costs before, during, and after surgery by:

• Reducing unnecessary testing, same-day cancellations, operating room emergencies, and surgical complications.

• Decreasing the need for additional consults from other specialty physicians for services that could have been provided by an anesthesiologist.

• Reducing the risk of costly hospitalization following outpatient surgery.

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