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Anesthesia providers have been unable to improve their education and management of anesthetic emergencies in a virtual online environment, on-demand, from a simple laptop – until now. Today, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), and CAE Healthcare unveiled Anesthesia SimSTAT – Trauma, the first in a series of Anesthesia SimSTAT interactive screen-based simulation modules.

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ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2017, the annual meeting of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), returns Oct. 21-25 to the city where modern anesthesia was born, Boston.

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Known for spending their work weeks hunched over their laptops and their weekends taking spin classes or playing video games, Millennials are prone to experiencing pain. However, a recent survey by the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) reports that this generation is more likely to manage their pain in a natural way, without using opioids. Additional findings from the survey are in the news release below.

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The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today congratulated Jerome Adams, M.D., on his confirmation as Surgeon General of the United States. Dr. Adams is the first physician anesthesiologist to hold this important position.

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Insights & Innovations is an exciting three days of visionary speakers and impactful sessions on the latest innovations, tools and resources to simplify and strengthen patient-centered care and value-based commitment – giving attendees critical information to shift from volume to value.

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The American Society of Anesthesiologists’ (ASA) Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) model of care’s ability to significantly improve patient care, quality and reduce costs, is being further supported by the recent actions of two organizations: 1) the support of the model by the American Urological Association (AUA); and 2) the acceptance of the model by the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) as a 2018 Merit-based Incentive Payment System (MIPS) Improvement Activity.

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Premier Inc. (NASDAQ: PINC), a leading healthcare improvement company, is launching a national opioid safety pilot with hospitals to make care safer and reduce patient harm from opioid misuse, dependence and addiction. The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) will be a key performance improvement partner in the initiative.

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The American Society and Anesthesiologists (ASA) today congratulated Jerome Adams, M.D., on his nomination to Surgeon General by President Donald J. Trump. Dr. Adams will be the first physician anesthesiologist to hold this position.

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Researchers have developed new dosing models that may provide the scientific basis for more accurate administration of remifentanil, a synthetic opioid commonly used during surgery, in children and obese patients.

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Female chronic pain sufferers who catastrophize, a psychological condition in which pain is exaggerated or irrationally focused on, not only report greater pain intensity, but are more likely to be taking prescribed opioids than men with the same condition, according to a study published Online First in Anesthesiology, the peer-reviewed medical journal of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA).

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Opioids are often known as the “go-to” pain killer for short-term pain, but this doesn’t mean they’re always the right treatment. The American Society of Anesthesiologists suggests those who take opioids ask some tough questions – including if it is time to consider other options.

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The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) announced today that it has been named a winner in the 2017 Chicago Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® in the Medium Business, 101-300 Employees category.

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The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) presented Kraig de Lanzac, M.D., president of the Louisiana Society of Anesthesiologists (LSA) with the 2017 Bertram W. Coffer, M.D., Excellence in Government Award.

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The New York State Society of Anesthesiologists (NYSSA) called upon members of the Legislature to oppose a bill that endangers patient safety. The legislation A.0442/S.1385 fails to establish even the most basic parameters of acceptable practice of a health care professional by using the title "Nurse Anesthetist" to administer anesthesia.

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A new report published today in the journal Anaesthesia reveals the positive impact of the donation of Lifebox pulse oximeters and training to patient safety in Malawi.

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Patients undergoing spinal fusion surgery who are treated with methadone during the procedure require significantly less intravenous and oral opioids to manage postoperative pain, reports a new study published in the May issue of Anesthesiology.

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ASA recommends the Oregon Health Authority’s (OHA) Health Evidence Review Committee (HERC) reconsider its initial ruling that eliminates coverage for epidural steroid spinal injections for patients suffering from chronic back pain in the state’s health programs, including the Oregon Health Plan, the state Medicaid program.

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The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today announced the selection of Alex Hannenberg, M.D., interim chief quality officer. Dr. Hannenberg’s dedication, service and passion for the specialty are recognized throughout anesthesiology and the health care industry.

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If surgery is in your future, it’s never too early to prepare. Whether you’re having an outpatient procedure or a major operation involving a hospital stay, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) encourages you to take simple steps to be ready for the big day, starting with talking with your physician anesthesiologist, a vital member of your care team.

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“Opting-out” of the Medicare rule that requires anesthesia to be administered with physician supervision has little or no impact on access to either inpatient or outpatient surgery, according to a study published in Health Economics Review.

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Taking one oxycodone tablet together with even a modest amount of alcohol increases the risk of a potentially life-threatening side effect known as respiratory depression, which causes breathing to become extremely shallow or stop altogether, reports a study published in the Online First edition of Anesthesiology.

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Women who used a smartphone app as part of a Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) program were released from the hospital sooner after delivering their babies via cesarean section, according to a study presented at the American Society of Anesthesiologists PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 2017 meeting.

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During Physician Anesthesiologists Week, ASA wants to empower patients to be informed health care consumers by alerting them to three things they should know about “surprise insurance gaps.”

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Patient access to anesthesia care for seven common surgical procedures is not increased when states “opt-out” of the Medicare rule that requires anesthesia to be administered with physician supervision, reports a study published in the Online First edition of Anesthesiology.

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Today, the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) applauds President-elect Trump’s nomination of David Shulkin, M.D., to be the next Secretary of the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) and looks forward to working with him to ensure the nation's Veterans continue to receive access to safe, high-quality health care. Dr. Shulkin currently serves as VA's Under Secretary of Health.

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The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) will host PRACTICE MANAGEMENT 2017, a three-day meeting for its members and practice management staff. The media are invited to attend.

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The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) is extremely gratified by the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) decision to reverse its proposal to replace the department’s physician anesthesiologists with nurses in VA health care facilities. If implemented, the proposal would have fundamentally changed the delivery of surgical anesthesia care for Veterans. The final rule was posted to the Federal Register today. In it, the VA will maintain its current physician-led, team-based model of care under which physician anesthesiologists and nurse anesthetists work together to provide high-quality and safe anesthesia care.

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A new treatment may diminish a dangerous side effect associated with transfusions of red blood cells (RBCs) known as pulmonary hypertension, an elevated blood pressure in the lungs and heart that can lead to heart failure, suggests a new study published in the November issue of Anesthesiology.

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Four innovative studies exploring ways to reduce complications related to heart surgery or minimize patient mortality due to risks associated with low blood pressure and surgery were highlighted during the Anesthesiology Major Trials Session held at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2016 annual meeting.

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Jeffrey S. Plagenhoef, M.D., chairman of the Department of Anesthesiology at Baylor Scott & White Hillcrest Medical Center in Waco, Texas, was today named president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA), the nation’s largest organization of physician anesthesiologists. Dr. Plagenhoef was elected at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2016 annual meeting in Chicago and will serve for one year.

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Linda J. Mason, M.D., director of pediatric anesthesiology at Loma Linda University Medical Center in California, today was named first vice president of the American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA). Dr. Mason was elected at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2016 annual meeting in Chicago and will serve for one year.

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Epidural anesthesia may do more than relieve pain during labor; in some women it may decrease the likelihood of postpartum depression, suggests a preliminary study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2016 annual meeting.

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An experimental drug shows promise in treating Alzheimer’s disease by preventing inflammation and removing abnormal protein clumps in the brain that are associated with the disease, suggests a study in mice presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2016 annual meeting.

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Children who require both dental and non-dental medical procedures should have them completed under one general anesthesia session whenever possible, which is ideal for both the patient and family, suggests research being presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2016 annual meeting.

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Patients may be more likely to take their regularly prescribed medications for chronic conditions such as diabetes and hypertension correctly before surgery when provided a simple instruction sheet, reveals a study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2016 annual meeting. Taking medication correctly before surgery can improve patient safety and comfort, and reduce day-of-surgery cancellations.

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The majority of women who chose nitrous oxide (laughing gas) to manage labor pain, ultimately decide to have an epidural, according to new research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2016 annual meeting. Researchers found nitrous oxide provided limited pain relief, with patients reporting no change in average pain scores after its use.

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Patients using public health insurance were more likely to experience high pain levels in the post anesthesia care unit (PACU) following surgery to remove their tonsils and/or adenoids, according to a study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2016 annual meeting. This single characteristic showed a disparity in patients’ PACU experience, independent of overall health, age, gender, race or neighborhood median income.

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The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today presented Alexander A. Hannenberg, M.D., of Wellesley, Mass., with its 2015 Distinguished Service Award in recognition of his passion for global health and humanitarian outreach and his remarkable contributions to ASA.

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The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today presented Hannah Wunsch, M.D., M.Sc., with its 2016 Presidential Scholar Award in recognition of her outstanding career in research. Dr. Wunsch is a leading academic physician anesthesiologist with numerous contributions to anesthesia research and critical care medicine.

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The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today presented Michael M. Todd, M.D., with its 2016 Excellence in Research Award in recognition of his outstanding research achievements in neuro-anesthesiology and neuroscience. Dr. Todd’s research has led to major scientific advances in anesthesiology and he is known for his work investigating the validity of inducing hypothermia in patients undergoing brain surgery.

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Enhanced recovery after surgery (ERAS) programs, an important component of the Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH), are helping patients better prepare for surgery and recuperate faster afterward, according to two new studies being presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2016 annual meeting.

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Millions of people take opioids for chronic back pain, but many of them get limited relief while experiencing side effects and worrying about the stigma associated with taking them, suggests research presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2016 annual meeting.

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Decreasing the number of tests, blood transfusions and length of time in the hospital, while improving patients’ pain management and communication with physicians were the results of implementing the Perioperative Surgical Home (PSH) model of care at TEAMHealth Anesthesia at Tampa General Hospital in Tampa, Fla., according to a study presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2016 annual meeting.

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Latinos may be more anxious than Caucasian patients about having surgery and also want more detailed information before having a procedure, suggests research being presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2016 annual meeting.

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More than one-third of Americans who undergo procedures involving anesthesia now have them outside of the operating room (O.R.), an increase of 27 percent in five years, according to an analysis of a large registry being presented at the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2016 annual meeting. Researchers say these patients tend to be older and in poorer health, having been urged by physicians to have less-risky minimally invasive procedures and tests that don’t need to be performed in an O.R.

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Children who are exposed to general anesthesia from birth to age 2 have developmental testing results in kindergarten that are similar to those of children who have not been exposed, according to a new study published in the October issue of Anesthesiology, the official medical journal of ASA.

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The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) will host the Run For The Warriors® 5K Run/Walk at 6:45 a.m. on Sunday, October 23, in Chicago. The race coincides with the ANESTHESIOLOGY® 2016 annual meeting and marks the seventh consecutive year of ASA sponsorship.

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The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) today announced the selection of Brian Reilly, as chief digital strategy officer. Reilly will develop a comprehensive digital strategy focused on improving and incorporating digital tactics and technologies into the organization strategically to optimize and enhance the ASA member experience.

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ASA and ePreop, Inc. today announced a collaborative agreement to provide a quality capture solution to Anesthesia Quality Institute (AQI) participating practices that simplifies as well as enriches the data capture and submission process to the National Anesthesia Clinical Outcomes Registry (NACOR) for quality reporting to CMS.

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The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) and BevMD are pleased to announce the resolution of their outstanding litigation concerning certain statements made by BevMD regarding its preoperative fasting beverage, ClearFast®.