Becker’s Healthcare Podcast Megan Friedman, DO, Chair and Medical Director at Pacific Coast Anesthesia
Nov 9, 2025
Megan Friedman, DO, is a double-board-certified anesthesiologist and medical director at Pacific Coast Anesthesia, focusing on operational strategy in ASCs. She discusses the transformation of anesthesia through technology and data-driven scheduling. Megan highlights key trends driving ASC growth, including payer pressures and the need for better staffing approaches. She emphasizes the importance of collaboration between anesthesia teams and ASC leadership to enhance efficiency and patient care, advocating for anesthesia's role in executive decision-making.
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ASCs Are Taking On Higher-Acuity Cases
- Higher-acuity cases and payer shifts are moving more complex procedures into ASCs.
- This forces ASCs to rethink staffing, scheduling, and prioritize efficiency over surgeon preference.
Use Real-Time Data For Staffing
- Use real-time data to drive staffing and scheduling decisions instead of relying on assumptions.
- Prioritize case efficiency and resource allocation to avoid underutilized rooms and fragmented schedules.
Tech Must Show The Full Operational Picture
- Technology must reveal the full operational picture including cost per case and room utilization.
- AI and analytics should enable real-time action on inefficiencies, not just retrospective reporting.