Concerns Raised Over Anesthesia Staffing at Corewell Health

News Summary

A group of anesthesiologists in Michigan is voicing worries about the shift in anesthesia care at Corewell Health West, which favors less experienced doctors. The Michigan Society of Anesthesiologists initiated a campaign urging patients to request board-certified anesthesiologists amid a staffing shortage that has led to rescheduled surgeries. The group stresses the importance of specialized training in anesthesia to ensure patient safety. Corewell Health has not disclosed specific staffing details but insists on maintaining high-quality care standards.

Grand Rapids, Michigan — A group of Michigan anesthesiologists has raised concerns about being sidelined at Corewell Health West in favor of less experienced physicians. These anesthesiologists warn that the shift from their specialized care to emergency medicine and ICU doctors could compromise patient safety during procedures requiring anesthesia.

The Michigan Society of Anesthesiologists (MSA) has initiated a billboard and media campaign urging patients to specifically request board-certified anesthesiologists for their surgical procedures. This campaign comes in response to the expiration of the contract between West Michigan Anesthesia (WMA) and Corewell Health earlier in September, which was marked by failed negotiations over the previous eight months.

The president of WMA emphasized that non-anesthesiologists lack the specialized training necessary to effectively manage airway complications and other challenges that can arise during anesthesia. It is highlighted that anesthesiologists complete 12 to 14 years of education and training to adeptly handle such critical situations, including emergencies like flatlining, seizures, heart attacks, or strokes occurring during surgery.

Despite these concerns, Corewell Health has not provided specific details regarding their staffing policies or the selection process for physicians handling sedation or anesthesia. The healthcare provider did state that all professionals delivering anesthesia services are held to high standards of quality and patient safety, and affirm that patient safety remains their top priority.

In recent updates, Corewell Health has reported that some surgeries are being rescheduled due to a shortage of anesthesiologists. The statement highlights a growing concern, as the American Society of Anesthesiologists noted a significant increase in the national anesthesiologist shortage from 35% in early 2020 to 78% by late 2022, a situation exacerbated by the COVID-19 pandemic.

WMA has been the exclusive anesthesia provider for most Corewell Health sites for the past 40 years, and members of the group have maintained their commitment to delivering high-quality anesthesia care. They are open to negotiating terms with Corewell Health to continue their partnership and ensure a seamless transition for patient care during the change in staffing arrangements.

As Corewell Health begins to recruit and hire new members for their anesthesia team to address patient needs, anesthesiology specialists are urging patients to be proactive in their care decisions. This communication underscores the importance of experienced and board-certified anesthesiologists in maintaining the highest level of care and safety during medical procedures.

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

• MLive: Michigan Doctors Urge Patients
• WZZM13: Anesthesia Group Contract Proposals
• Wood TV: Delayed Surgeries in West Michigan
• Encyclopedia Britannica: Anesthesiology
• WZZM13: Corewell Health Anesthesiologist Shortage