Understanding the New Normal

There was a time in the history of anesthesia practices when the biggest question was whether the practice should explore new clinical opportunities and/ or merge with other practices in the area. Anesthesia practice management in those days tended to be very strategic and tactical. What we are seeing now makes us think those were the good old days. This issue of the Communiqué provides a useful overview of the new set of challenges practices must understand and address to remain viable.

Much has been made of the recent balance billing laws and the national No Surprises Act. Our own Jody Locke, MA helps put the recent regulations in perspective. As is so often the case, the advance press paints a more dire picture than the actual implementation. Leveling the playing field puts the key issues in a new and interesting perspective.

Dan Reale, JD, MBA has many years of experience managing small and large anesthesia practices across the country. No one is more qualified to address questions about the future of private anesthesia practice. His careful review of some very relevant data about the evolution of hospital perspectives on the specialty of anesthesia is quite informative. His article provides a very cogent caveat emptor about the future of hospital employment of anesthesia providers.

Mark Weiss, JD shares his thoughts on the challenge of the RFP. Mark’s article, Anesthesia Services RFPs: Cognitive Biases and Hidden Opportunity, challenges the current and prevailing perspective of RFPs. One man’s problem may just be another man’s opportunity.

As always, Will Latham, MBA brings us down to earth with some very pertinent and useful observations about executive boards and their limitations. His piece contains a particularly probative discussion of board challenges and opportunities. After 30 years in the anesthesia practice management business, Will has learned some important lessons that we should all take to heart.

Kathryn Hickner, Esq., along with Chuck Mackey, share some critical insights into the world of cybersecurity. Their article, Three Cybersecurity Safeguards to Implement in your Organization Today, provides a wealth of specific, technical information about the current cybersecurity environment and how it may impact your practice. Her piece provides an invaluable glossary for all of us.

And finally, Bart Edwards, MHS, MBA digs into the impact of the shift of cases from inpatient to outpatient. His data and focus give us much to think about and highlights the trends we should be tracking.

As always, we have given considerable thought to the trends facing our client practices. We hope these articles will give you a new perspective and some useful suggestions as you navigate today’s perilous healthcare market. Please feel free to give us some feedback and insights from your specific practice.

With best wishes,

Tony Mira
President and CEO