Market costs of short-term physician and nurse anesthesia services.
OBJECTIVE
To estimate the market costs of short-term physician and certified registered nurse-anesthesia (CRNA) services.


METHODS
Survey of large locum tenens agencies.


METHODS
University hospital.


RESULTS
Negotiations were carried out with agencies for best prices for four weeks of routine anesthesia work. The average cost for an anesthesiologist was $133 per hour and a CRNA, $86 per hour. The agencies received approximately 18% of these costs.


CONCLUSIONS
Despite competitive pressures, the locum tenens market charges 55% more for physician than CRNA services. The implications for the different charges are discussed.
Johnstone
R E
RE
Department of Anesthesiology, West Virginia University, Morgantown.
D000761:Anesthesia Department, Hospital / Q000191:economics*; D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000191:economics*; D005502:Food / Q000191:economics; D017721:Hospital Costs; D006798:Housing / Q000191:economics; D006801:Humans; D008389:Marketing of Health Services / Q000191:economics; D009719:Nurse Anesthetists / Q000191:economics*; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits; D014186:Transportation / Q000191:economics; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce