Anesthesia leaders nationwide are raising concerns about several challenges they say cannot be ignored as the specialty moves through 2026, according to a recent report published by Becker’s ASC Review. The issues span workforce dynamics, reimbursement pressure, operational complexity, and the evolving structure of anesthesia care across hospitals and ambulatory surgery centers.
One of the most pressing concerns cited is workforce instability, driven in part by the growing reliance on contract, locum tenens, and 1099 clinicians. While these models offer flexibility, leaders note they have also resulted in fragmented coverage, reduced continuity, and challenges in long-term workforce planning—particularly for multi-site health systems and ASCs.
Leaders also pointed to a widening supply-and-demand imbalance. Surgical volumes continue to increase, fueled by an aging population and the shift of cases to outpatient settings, while the anesthesia workforce has not expanded at the same pace. This mismatch is creating scheduling constraints, access challenges, and increased pressure on existing clinical teams.
In addition, anesthesia executives emphasized the erosion of clinical cohesion and culture, as teams become more dispersed across care settings and subspecialties. Leaders noted that limited integration between inpatient and ambulatory environments can negatively impact collaboration, communication, and staff engagement.
Financial pressures remain a central theme. Anesthesia leaders cited ongoing reimbursement shortfalls, particularly under Medicare and Medicaid, alongside rising labor and operating costs. Many groups continue to rely on hospital or ASC subsidies to maintain coverage, underscoring the financial strain facing the specialty.
Operational challenges were also highlighted, including workflow fragmentation and technology misalignment. Leaders warned that disconnected systems and inefficient processes can increase administrative burden, contribute to burnout, and complicate care coordination if not addressed strategically.
The Becker’s report underscores that these issues have far-reaching implications for anesthesia groups, surgical facilities, and health systems as they plan for staffing, financial sustainability, and operational efficiency in 2026.
Why This Matters for Anesthesia Groups and ASCs
As anesthesia practices navigate workforce shifts and reimbursement pressure, leaders are increasingly focused on improving operational alignment, documentation accuracy, and financial visibility to maintain stability across care settings.