Authors: Yousef S et al. European Journal of Anaesthesiology 42(12):1046–1055, December 2025DOI: 10.1097/EJA.0000000000002261 SummaryThis randomized, blinded, active-controlled trial evaluated whether mixing lidocaine–epinephrine with ropivacaine alters the duration of analgesia or onset time in lateral infraclavicular brachial plexus blocks. Seventy-eight patients undergoing hand surgery were randomized into three groups: full-dose ropivacaine (R150), reduced-dose ropivacaine plus lidocaine–epinephrine […]
Read MoreAuthors: Sun H et al. Anesthesia & Analgesia 141(5):988–994, November 2025 DOI:10.1213/ANE.0000000000007490 SummaryThis retrospective analysis from the American Board of Anesthesiology reviewed all first-attempt BASIC Examination results from 2014 through 2022, linking them to resident demographics, program characteristics, and prior in-training examination (CBY ITE) performance. The goal was to determine whether specific demographic groups had […]
Read MoreAuthor: Sophie Eydis Becker’s ASC Review Anesthesiology leaders are navigating unprecedented financial pressure and structural changes. Faced with declining reimbursements, rising costs and shifting care models, leaders are walking a tightrope to maintain patient safety and operational efficiency while operating on tighter margins than ever before. Here are five state-specific updates slated to further shift […]
Read MoreAuthor: Sophie Eydis Becker’s ASC Review As case complexities rise, payer policies evolve and the demand for outpatient procedures accelerates, ASC leaders are assessing where to invest as they head into 2026. For its “ASC Leader Expectations for 2026″ survey, VMG Health asked 97 leaders which specialties they are prioritizing in the next year. Here are three […]
Read MoreHardin Medical Center (122 beds) is offering a rare CRNA-only practice where you can enjoy full autonomy and an exceptional lifestyle. • Schedule: 2 weeks on / 1 week off (17 weeks off each year)• Model: Independent CRNA practice – no anesthesiologist supervision• Case Mix: General surgery, orthopedics, endoscopy, OB/GYN (including epidurals & C-sections)• No […]
Read MoreAuthors: Senapati L et al. Cureus. 17(10): e94648, October 15, 2025. DOI: 10.7759/cureus.94648 Summary:This randomized controlled trial compared ultrasound-guided costoclavicular brachial plexus block (CC-BPB) with supraclavicular brachial plexus block (SC-BPB) for anesthesia and analgesia in elective forearm and hand surgery. The costoclavicular approach, a modification of the infraclavicular technique, targets a compact cluster of cords […]
Read MoreAuthor: Rebecca Pifer Healthcare Dive The Part B premium hike could have been worse, the Trump administration said. Still, it’s likely to pressure the pocketbooks of millions of seniors, and could drive more into Medicare Advantage plans. Dive Brief: Medicare beneficiaries will see their premiums increase 10% next year as the massive federal insurance program […]
Read MoreAuthors: Omoto M et al. Anesthesia & Analgesia 141(5):998–1006, November 2025.DOI: 10.1213/ANE.0000000000007409 SummaryThis nationwide retrospective study analyzed all unplanned ICU admissions occurring directly from the operating room after elective surgery using Japan’s ICU database (JIPAD) from 2015–2022. Among nearly 142,000 elective surgical patients, 2666 (1.9%) required an unexpected postoperative ICU transfer. These patients were very […]
Read MoreAuthor: Sophie Eydis Becker’s ASC Review Anesthesia groups are facing mounting pressure to demonstrate measurable value as reimbursement declines, staffing shortages intensify and hospitals reevaluate contract structures. Once viewed primarily as clinical support services, anesthesia practices are reshaping their models to show direct contributions to quality, efficiency and cost containment. Here are five key ways […]
Read MoreAuthor: Sophie Eydis Becker’s ASC Review As anesthesia groups prepare for 2026, pressures from reimbursement cuts, workforce shortages and rising operational costs are intensifying. Here are five data points fueling concern about the year ahead: 1. Anesthesia compensation is declining in real terms: CMS’ 2025 anesthesia conversion factor decreased by 2.20%, continuing a multiyear erosion of reimbursement that […]
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