Practice management issues in office-based anesthesiology

Office-based anesthesiology (OBA) presents an opportunity for some anesthesiology practices to expand their scope and garner professional and financial growth opportunities. Practices that center their OBA feasibility analysis on their mission and objectives stand to be the most successful whether or not they decide to pursue an OBA venture. The steps in evaluating the risk/benefit of entry into OBA include a complete analysis of the anesthesiology practice's mission and resources, and an evaluation of the prospective office site to assure it offers a safe and financially viable practice venue. An effective OBA implementation plan deals with the attendant legal and regulatory requirements, a client satisfaction program, and development of an administrative infrastructure to support and monitor the success of the venture as defined by the practice's mission-based objectives. (C) 2009 Elsevier Inc. All rights reserved.