NorthStar Anesthesia Enhances ASC Partnerships Amid Financial Challenges

In 2026, NorthStar Anesthesia has taken significant strides by forging 17 new partnerships with ambulatory surgery centers (ASCs) across the United States. Amid increasing operational costs, staffing shortages, and the evolving needs of patients, the company is positioning itself as a pivotal partner for ASCs seeking to surmount these challenges. Anesthesia plays a vital role in the efficiency and sustainability of surgical procedures, and NorthStar aims to bolster the operational efficacy of surgery centers by addressing critical hurdles that could lead to unnecessary cancellations and inefficiencies.

Cindy Myers, Vice President of ASC Operations at NorthStar Anesthesia, emphasized the importance of reliability in anesthesia coverage. 'It’s not just about finding coverage; it’s essential that this coverage translates into actual surgical capacity,' she states. When surgeries are called off unexpectedly, the ramifications extend beyond the anesthesia department and impact the overall functionality of the ASC. NorthStar is dedicated to developing systematic solutions to these challenges that allow centers to deliver consistent care while operating with enhanced operational efficiency.

Improving ASC Performance Through Enhanced Preparation

One vital area for enhancing the operations of ASCs lies within the preoperative phase. When anesthesia-related issues arise only on the day of surgery, it can lead to unanticipated cancellations, loss of valuable time for surgeons, and wasted resources for the centers. To combat this, NorthStar has introduced specialized pre-anesthesia testing (PAT) protocols and standardized clinical approaches designed to identify potential concerns earlier in the process. According to Dr. Gajan Mahendran, Vice President of Physician Services at NorthStar Anesthesia, a proactive approach to preoperative assessments is paramount. 'The decisions made prior to patient arrival can greatly influence the outcomes of surgical procedures,' he asserts. This approach allows for earlier risk identification, more accurate patient selection for outpatient procedures, and the resolution of potential barriers well ahead of time, ultimately leading to a more positive experience for all stakeholders involved.

Aligning Staffing with Surgical Volumes

In conjunction with clinical difficulties, ASCs also face an evolving economic landscape. Recent interviews have shown that around 80% of ASCs now require anesthesia stipends, a stark increase from the 10% to 15% reported pre-pandemic. As anesthesia expenses escalate, maintaining a precise alignment between staffing levels and the actual surgical volume has never been more critical. NorthStar collaborates intimately with ASC partners to create staffing models that accurately reflect each facility’s operational needs.

'Improving performance requires more than just adding anesthesia resources; those resources must be aligned with the facility's surgical demand,' Myers notes. By understanding the specific schedules and case mixtures of ASC partners, NorthStar is able to design a model that balances equitable access to care with the financial viability of the center.

Merging National Expertise with Local Knowledge

As ASCs increasingly take on a broader array of surgical directives, the complexity of demands on anesthesia providers rises correspondingly. Smaller, locally managed anesthesia groups may struggle to ensure consistent coverage, recruit qualified staff, or implement standardized operational protocols. NorthStar’s model integrates local leadership with national recruitment capabilities and expert ASC operational knowledge, ensuring the successful delivery of anesthesia services across a wide array of clinical contexts. This method enables seamless continuity of care, while also allowing for adaptable responses to fluctuations in surgical demand.

The strategy is clearly demonstrated by NorthStar’s growth in ASC partnerships, with 17 collaborations formed throughout 2026 alone. Among these are notable centers such as the CarePlex Orthopaedic Ambulatory Surgery Center in Norfolk, Virginia, and various facilities in Richmond, Virginia, as well as others in Wisconsin, Alabama, and Ohio. These partnerships underscore the essential role of anesthesia providers who can adeptly navigate the clinical and operational complexities inherent in outpatient surgical environments.

To garner further insights or to seek a confidential evaluation of anesthesia programs, parties interested can reach out to James Bagliani, Director of Business Development at NorthStar Anesthesia.

About NorthStar Anesthesia

Founded by an anesthesiologist and a Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA), NorthStar Anesthesia has grown to encompass over 4,000 anesthesia professionals, working with more than 280 healthcare sites in over 20 states. The organization prides itself on its focus on high-quality care while significantly enhancing the performance of operating rooms for its partners.