There has never been a more exciting time to be an anesthesiologist, but our field is confronted with myriad challenges in the future. The Affordable Care Act encourages significant change in the areas of payment and delivery of health care services, particularly in the hospital setting. If we are to maintain our autonomy, payment structure and care delivery methodologies, we must demonstrate that we significantly contribute to achieving the triple aim of improved patient outcomes, decreased health care costs and improved health of populations.1
To protect and promote my patients, practice and profession, I have taken a very proactive approach in Maryland regarding legislative and regulatory activity. My efforts demonstrate that our involvement in legislative and regulatory affairs can have a positive and significant impact.
My involvement began with developing legislative language for a favorable assignment of benefits bill that was ultimately signed into law. As a result of...
