The news that UnitedHealthcare has kicked a leading anesthesia provider out of network is even more concerning when you consider that Florida is facing a severe shortage of anesthesiologists. Physician recruiting websites indicate that there are more than 1,000 unfilled job openings for anesthesiologists and certified nurse anesthetists in Florida.
Florida currently ranks near the bottom of the list when it comes to the number of anesthesiologists per capita. With fewer than 3,000 anesthesiologists, Florida ranks 35th in the nation.
The outlook is bleak.
The Association of American Medical Colleges predicted a nationwide shortage of 12,500 anesthesiologists by 2033.
A Feb. 20, 2024 article warns that “hospitals across the United States are struggling to maintain fully staffed anesthesia departments, which is critical to keeping their operating rooms and procedure rooms open and productive.” Making matters worse, more than 17% of anesthesiologists are nearing retirement, and more than half are 55 or older, signaling a looming departure of a significant portion of anesthesia providers.
The situation may be even more urgent in Florida, due to “its large elderly population who require more complex medical treatments.” The report warns “there simply aren’t enough qualified professionals available to provide adequate levels of [anesthesia] service throughout the state.”
The impact on patients is serious. As one provider explained, “Without anesthesia, it really does not matter whether a center can run successfully from a financial standpoint, as you are not running anything without the proper medical staff to perform the cases.”
The manner in which United Healthcare is dealing with anesthesiologists in Florida is threatening to exacerbate the existing shortage of anesthesiologists in the state. Payors such as UnitedHealthcare need to have robust networks and should welcome the life-saving services that anesthesiologists bring to the healthcare system.