7. Can they provide detailed quality metrics?
One of the benefits of dealing with a larger group is the potential to
take advantage of a database that comprises tens of thousands of
patient encounters. In the era of MACRA (The Medicare Access and
CHIP Reauthorization Act, under which a growing percentage of
physician payment will be based on value, not volume) the ability to
measure performance outcomes such as difficult airways, PONV,
corneal abrasions and ASC-to-hospital transfers is extremely valuable.
Your anesthesia group should be able to provide strategic informa-
tion related not just to what goes on in the OR, but also what goes on
both before and after. If case cancellations are a chronic issue, are
they preventable? Are patients arriving in PACU with temperatures
above 35.5°C? Are re-intubations occurring in recovery? Are patients
receiving PONV prophylaxis? Groups that routinely monitor perform-
ance data can help enhance patient satisfaction and reduce undesir-
able outcomes.
8. Can they help you preserve existing relationships?
Clearly, there are benefits to having consistent teams in the OR, and
your group should respect that. If certain anesthesia providers work
well with certain surgeons, and have for years, your group should
make every effort to accommodate that. If you've worked with a
smaller group that's recently joined a larger practice, try to maintain
those relationships, instead of trying to start over again.
9. How do they handle questions from patients?
If patients have questions about billing — whether the group is in net-
work, for example — your anesthesia group should be easy to reach
and responsive. Ideally, they'll also have a website your patients can
access to find out ahead of time what their bills will be.
5 6 • O U T PA T I E N T S U R G E R Y M A G A Z I N E • M a y 2 0 1 7
