Five-Year Follow-Up on the Work Force and Finances of United States Anesthesiology Training Programs: 2000 to 2005

In Brief BACKGROUND: In the middle 1990s, there was a decrease in anesthesiology residency class sizes, which contributed to a nationwide shortage of anesthesiologists, resulting in a competitive market with increased salary demands. In 1999, a nationwide survey of the financial status of United States anesthesiology training programs was conducted. Follow-up surveys have been conducted each year thereafter. We present the results of the sixth survey in this series. METHODS: Surveys were distributed by e-mail to the anesthesiology department chairs of the United States Training Programs. Responses were also received by e-mail. RESULTS: One hundred twenty-one departments were surveyed with a response rate of 60%. The 87% of departments seeking at least one additional faculty had an average of 2.8 faculty open positions (5.5% open positions overall which is down from 9.7% in 2000). Of the 96% of departments that employ certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) 89% were seeking additional CRNAs, averaging 3.6 open positions. The average department received $4.9 million (or $116,000/faculty) in institutional support. When the portion of this support allocated for CRNA salaries was removed, the average department received $4.1 million (or $95,000/faculty) in institutional support. This is a 16% increase over the previous year. Faculty academic time averaged 17% (where 20% is 1 d/wk). Departments billed an average of 11,320 anesthesia units/faculty/yr. Although the average anesthesia unit value collected was $31, departments required approximately $40/U to meet expenses. Medicaid payments averaged $15, ranging from $5 to $30/U. CONCLUSION: These results demonstrate the continuing need for institutional support to keep anesthesiology training departments financially stable. IMPLICATIONS: The average United States academic anesthesiology department is currently receiving $95,000/faculty of support, calculated after the dollars being provided for Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists’ salaries are removed. The primary cause of this negative financial status appears to be the large variation in reimbursement for services provided.