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In an unprecedented move, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield plans representing Connecticut, New York and Missouri have unilaterally declared they will no longer pay for anesthesia care if the surgery or procedure goes beyond an arbitrary time limit, regardless of how long the surgical procedure takes. The American Society of Anesthesiologists calls on Anthem to reverse this proposal immediately.

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With the pervasiveness of harassment, incivility, and disrespect (HID) among health care professionals in the workplace impacting clinician well-being, patient health, and disproportionately affecting anesthesiology, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is providing new recommendations to help eradicate these behaviors in the operating room and hospitals.

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Most patients should continue taking their glucagon-like peptide-1 (GLP-1) receptor agonists before elective surgery, suggests new clinical guidance released by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), American Gastroenterological Association, American Society for Metabolic and Bariatric Surgery, International Society of Perioperative Care of Patients with Obesity, and the Society of American Gastrointestinal and Endoscopic Surgeons. Patients at the highest risk for significant gastrointestinal (GI) side effects should follow a liquid diet for 24 hours before the procedure or other measures, depending on the specific circumstances.

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Jeffrey T. Mueller, M.D., FASA, was elected as first vice president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), the nation’s largest organization of anesthesiologists, on October 23. Dr. Mueller was elected by the ASA House of Delegates at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2024 annual meeting in Philadelphia and will serve for one year.

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Donald E. Arnold, M.D., FACHE, FASA, chair of the Department of Anesthesiology, Mercy Hospital in St. Louis and member of the board of directors of Western Anesthesiology Associates, Inc., in Ballwin, Missouri, was today named president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), the nation’s largest organization of anesthesiologists. Dr. Arnold assumed office at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2024 annual meeting and will serve for one year.

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Despite advances in cardiovascular medicine, Black patients are 22% more likely than white patients to die in the hospital after coronary artery bypass grafting (CABG) surgery, according to a study of more than 1 million patients presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2024 annual meeting.

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While recovering from major surgery, Black patients may be less likely to receive certain multimodal analgesia options and more likely to receive oral opioids than white patients, according to research being presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2024 annual meeting.

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People who experience poor sleep in the month before surgery may be more likely to develop postoperative delirium, according to new research being presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2024 annual meeting.

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A new, computerized, mental health assessment tool may allow doctors to quickly identify children experiencing anxiety or depression before surgery, suggests new research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2024 annual meeting.

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Severely injured Black, Asian and Hispanic children and adults are less likely than white patients to receive critical helicopter ambulance services, which can make the difference between life and death, according to a study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2024 annual meeting.

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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen, may help reduce patients’ risk of postoperative delirium, according to a study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2024 annual meeting.

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A simple blood test could help doctors identify women in labor who are at risk for preeclampsia — a leading cause of maternal death — and take precautions to prevent it, according to research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2024 annual meeting.

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People who have multiple orthopedic surgeries during the same hospital stay are more likely to suffer malnutrition due to repeated or prolonged fasting, which can slow recovery and increase the risk of death, according to a study of more than 28 million patients presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2024 annual meeting.

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The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today presented Mary Dale Peterson, M.D., MSHCA, FACHE, FASA, with its 2023 Distinguished Service Award in recognition of her enduring contributions to advancing patient-centered, physician-led health care. Her dedicated service to the specialty and ASA includes her leadership as ASA president during the first year of the COVID-19 pandemic. The award is the highest honor ASA bestows and is presented annually to a member who has transformed the specialty of anesthesiology.

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The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is pleased to announce that Medtronic, a global leader in health care technology, is an ASA Industry Supporter for the 10th year, supporting the work of the Society and anesthesiologists to improve patient safety and outcomes.

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Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) like ibuprofen may be a simple way to reduce the risk of postoperative delirium. Combining two common blood tests may help doctors identify pregnant women who are at higher risk for life-threatening preeclampsia.

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The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) has been recognized with a Power of Associations Gold Award by the American Society of Association Executives (ASAE) for its successful initiative, the Medical Student and Resident Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion (DEI) Leadership Positions program.