Medical care
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Nurse anesthetists (CRNAs) are a lower cost substitute for anesthesiologists in the delivery of anesthesia services. This article addresses the question of when anesthesiologists delegate in a team approach as opposed to using a solo arrangement. ⋯ Medicare and other third-party payers should eliminate regional variations in provider mix that are due to locational preferences and provider attitudes. Delegation to CRNAs can be encouraged by reducing what anesthesiologists are paid for practicing alone.