Over the past three decades we have witnessed huge shifts in anesthesia practice and our delivery models. We have also seen dramatic changes in the way anesthesiologists practice. Modes have run the gamut from solo, to group, private, academic, employed, and every combination imaginable. No matter the model, what has always remained at the top of our priorities has been the ability to provide safe, comprehensive, and physician-directed anesthetic care. All of these models have the potential to be consistent with that aim. As a disclaimer, this article does not promote one model over another, but simply attempts to provide a comprehensive explanation.
A primer on the subject would focus on the economics of anesthesia practice and its changing payment methodologies and how this has led to shifts in practice models. The small private practice, or solo model, has become a mode of the past; while a few of these...
