Since the complete sequencing of the genome for SARS-CoV-2 in January 2020, there has been an unprecedented scientific effort to translate that knowledge into a usable vaccine for large-scale immunization. Vaccination represents our best hope to bring the pandemic to an end and return to pre-pandemic activity and life.

This third installment of a four-part series dissecting ASA Monitor survey results focuses on payment and regulatory concerns. Patient care and health care regulations go hand in hand, so anesthesiologists must stay abreast of the latest guidelines and regulations while also making their voices heard to advocate for themselves and their patients.

As our knowledge of COVID-19 has increased and our understanding of risk mitigation has grown, steps have been taken in order to help balance the medical needs of patients while simultaneously protecting anesthesiologists and other perioperative staff. The “COVID Cart” is a major step forward in the improvement and streamlining of the processes involving the medical care of COVID patients.

As of this writing (November 15, 2020), that has increased almost 1 million-fold. Fifty-four million individuals have been infected worldwide, and 1.3 million have died. With the onset of winter, we are seeing a second global surge. The IHME estimates that 1.9 million will die by the end of the year. Where have we been, where are we going, and what have we learned.