A Little Talk About Anesthesia Recerts

Why, you ask, are we revisiting office anesthesia recertification?  Very simply to clarify the program and eliminate some confusion about it.  

Recently, I have been asked several questions by both doctors and office personnel about recert implementation.  It occurred to me that it was time to provide some background for this proactive program mandated by AAOMS.  

Several years ago AAOMS’ Board of Trustees, at the recommendation of the Committee on Anesthesia (CAN), decided that OMS offices should be recertified every five years. The goal is to make sure that each office has in place all of the necessary equipment and backup equipment parts, that all staff working in the medical area know where the equipment is and how to operate it, and that the doctors are appropriately credentialed.  It’s important to understand AAOMS’ rationale in developing the recertification program—specifically that as a highly skilled and educated medical group we needed to be our own watchdogs andtotally accountable. If we aren’t accountable, we invite regulation by others.

Wearing my marketing and public relations hats, I again want to emphasize that this is a very proactive program developed by AAOMS.  Generally proactive programs go a long way in preventing p.r. fires.

Each component society develops and implements its own recert program.  In Kentucky we have been extremely lucky to have volunteer members agree to perform the recertifications rather than paying for someone to do the actual recert.  That has saved us a ton of money, BUT it has required a tremendous investment of time.  FYI – our anesthesia chair is Dr. Lawrence A. Sivori, D.M.D., M.D. a.k.a. Tony.     

The KSOMS Board has worked hard to keep operating expenses at a minimum, depending for revenue not only on dues but also on vendor and patron fees. Being realistic, we have had to turn to members for help.  Starting in 2014 we have added a $75 fee to the dues statement for those doctors being recertified in that particular calendar year.  We have done this to cover the increasing general operating expenses of the KSOMS.  

The second change is a result of exactly what happened in 2013.  We were slammed with 48 recerts plus anesthesia visits for new members.  In actuality we did closer to 60 recerts when we began recerting all doctors in an office simultaneously.  Hopefully getting an office on the same five year rotation will result in a more seamless implementation.  Otherwise we could face an undesirable scenario where the KSOMS would visit large group practices every year in order to recert all of its doctors. That is unsustainable in the long run.  Our ultimate goal is to even out the five year schedule.  But I do admit the transition is a bit rough causing some confusion.  That’s precisely why I have written this blog and it would help a lot were you to share this with your office personnel. 

Finally to all of the docs who have given generously of your time by performing recerts, I feel certain there is a special place in heaven reserved for you.