Why stipends are more common
Surgery centers are short of anesthesia coverage. Becker's reported that 44 percent of centers expected to pay anesthesia stipends in 2025, up from 28 percent the year before.
When to ask
- Collections from the center's cases don't cover your cost of coverage
- The center wants guaranteed coverage on light days
- The payer mix has a lot of low-paying plans
Make the case with numbers
Show cases per day, collections per case and what full coverage costs you. Good billing reports make this conversation much easier.
Put it in writing
Agree the amount, what it covers, how it's reviewed and how it changes if volume does. Have a healthcare lawyer review the agreement.
This article is general information, not billing, legal or tax advice. Payer rules change; always check current guidance.
Sources
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