What is an anesthesiology resident worth?
OBJECTIVE
To determine the cost of replacing an anesthesiology resident with a certified registered nurse anesthetist (CRNA) for equal operating room (OR) work.


METHODS
Retrospective financial analysis.


METHODS
Academic anesthesiology department.


METHODS
Clinical anesthesia (CA)-1 through CA-3 residents.


METHODS
Cost of replacing anesthesiology residents with CRNAs for equal OR work was determined.


RESULTS
The cost of replacing one anesthesiology resident with a CRNA for the same number of OR hours ranged from $9,940.32 to $43,300 per month ($106,241.68 to $432,937.50 per yr). Numbers varied depending on the CRNA pay scale and whether the calculations were based on the number of OR hours worked at our residency program or OR hours worked in a maximum duty hour model.


CONCLUSIONS
A CRNA is paid substantially more per OR hour worked, at all pay levels, than an anesthesiology resident.
Ferrera
Marisa H
MH
Department of Anesthesiology, University of Pittsburgh School of Medicine, Pittsburgh, PA 15213, USA. marisa116@yahoo.com
Beaman
Shawn T
ST
Metro
David G
DG
Handley
Linda J
LJ
Walker
James E
JE
D000046:Academic Medical Centers / Q000191:economics; D000776:Anesthesiology / Q000191:economics* / Q000193:education; D017721:Hospital Costs / Q000706:statistics & numerical data; D006801:Humans; D007396:Internship and Residency / Q000191:economics*; D009719:Nurse Anesthetists / Q000191:economics*; D012189:Retrospective Studies; D012456:Salaries and Fringe Benefits / Q000706:statistics & numerical data*; D014481:United States; D000078329:Workforce