Colorado MDA work environment

[fabfive5]

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Have a seriuos question for anyone who works, worked, or knows people who have worked or currently work in CO. What is the work environment like there for MDA? I'm asking due to the recent almost-passing of the CRNA bill. Do the docs stand a chance? I'm thinking of relocating there at some point in the future and want to know if it's worth it. At the least, I'll be vacationing there yearly!!

Thank you in advance,

F

 

[sevoflurane]

Have a seriuos question for anyone who works, worked, or knows people who have worked or currently work in CO. What is the work environment like there for MDA? I'm asking due to the recent almost-passing of the CRNA bill. Do the docs stand a chance? I'm thinking of relocating there at some point in the future and want to know if it's worth it. At the least, I'll be vacationing there yearly!!

Thank you in advance,

F

Colorado is an opt-out state. Particularly for rural and critical access areas.

Last week, Governor Bill Ritter announced that Colorado will become the 16th state to opt-out of a federal Medicare rule that requires physician supervision of certified registered nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) in hospitals. States have the authority to opt-out of the supervision requirement by notifying CMS in writing when the governor consults with the state's boards of medicine and nursing, determines that opting out is consistent with state law, and decides that invoking the supervision exemption is in the best interests of the state's citizens. 66 Fed. Reg. 56762 (Nov. 13, 2001), codified at 42 CFR § 482.52(c). The letter was submitted following recent determinations by the Colorado Boards of Medicine and Nursing, respectively.

Governor Ritter's letter was submitted to the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS) on September 28, 2010, making the opt-out effective immediately for rural and Critical Access Hospitals in Colorado. These hospitals must still comply with the Medicare Conditions of Participation, but may now do so and receive Medicare reimbursement for anesthesia service provided by unsupervised CRNAs.

http://beyondhealthcarereform.com/2...sion-requirement-but-not-without-a-challenge/

One of my partners used to work for one of the big groups in Denver (South Denver Anesthesiologits... 85+ Md's). His brother still works there. I'm not sure if they use CRNA's. I can ask and see. Metro definitely does though.

 

[sevoflurane]

FWIW, when you are a member of an 85+ group of MD's holding multiple contracts in the city... well, you are a towering figure as you are not easily replaceable.

Safety in numbers. Good strategy for all MD groups.

 

[fabfive5]

Thank you sevo. I PM'd you

 

[narcusprince]

Thank you sevo. I PM'd you

I thought the opt out was repealed. Anyone know the practice envirorment in colorado springs?

 

[sevoflurane]

I thought the opt out was repealed. Anyone know the practice envirorment in colorado springs?

Not to my knowledge. There was a suit from the Colorado Medical Society and the Colorado Society of Anesthesiologists against ex-governer Bill Ritter and his short sightedness regarding opt out. I don't think it was succesful.

 

[fabfive5]

I'm wondering how the big groups in the Denver and surrounding areas are dealing with this. I bet the CRNA's are chomping at the bit to get what they can.

There is SDA and I think one other big anesthesia group. I know there is one smaller one north of Denver.

 

[sevoflurane]

There are several smaller ones... and if you consider Boulder... then a couple more.

One of my old residency buddies practices out of Golden Co. (outside denver on the way to Sumitt). That seems like a good group... smaller though.

 

[narcusprince]

Looks like the big supergroup in Colorado Springs is Pikes Peak Anesthesiologist, looks like a huge MD only supergroup that covers all of the hospitals in the Springs. Sevo you know anything about these guys?

 

[sevoflurane]

Looks like the big supergroup in Colorado Springs is Pikes Peak Anesthesiologist, looks like a huge MD only supergroup that covers all of the hospitals in the Springs. Sevo you know anything about these guys?

It's been like 5-6 yrs. since I spoke with PPA. At the time they only had immediate needs for one MD and I was still a resident that needed 2 positions (wife). I remember them being a big group with a big group feel, partnership, etc.

Honestly Narcu, it's been so long any info I have on Colorado Springs is outdated.

Again though, safety in numbers in a potentially volatile environment.

Colorado Springs is beautiful... the big problem is that good ski resorts are not close by.... Still a great choice though.

Wish I could help you out a little more. Best thing to do (and what I did) is cold cut calling and ask to speak to an anesthesiologist.

I recently aquired my Co license. It took 3.5 weeks with FCVS (I've heard as long as 6 mo. w/o it). It's a great service.

Good luck man... I hope you end up there. Family or just dig it?

 

[narcusprince]

Family, right now I would like to look for some locums gigs out there. Im from Colorado Springs went to middle school, high school, and college down south in Alamosa and played college ball down there. Grew up on the south side of Colorado Springs and would like to make it back albeit on the other side of the train tracks. Great place to grow up lots of diversity, natural beauty, and very safe. I have a long .mil commitment roughly 7 years and hope to make it to Fort Carson (Colorado Springs) after my current stint in Virginia. I too am applying for a Colorado license and it seems like a nightmare as far as the paperwork involved even with FCVS.