
Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward
Mike MacKinnon and Joe Rodriguez
Anesthesia Deconstructed: Unraveling the Complexities of Modern Anesthesia Practice
Founded in 2018 by Mike MacKinnon, DNP, FNP, CRNA, FAAN, and later joined by co-host Joe Rodriguez, DNAP, CRNA, Anesthesia Deconstructed is an award-winning podcast that consistently ranks as the nation's top-downloaded anesthesia podcast, with two of the most well-known CRNAs in the country as hosts. We feature industry experts from across the spectrum, exploring scientific issues, policy matters, and the day-to-day realities of anesthesia practice.
Our mission is to deconstruct complex topics, recognizing that the truth often lies in the nuanced middle ground rather than at extremes. We bring unique value to our listeners by examining the nexus of clinical practice, education, and policy, offering insights that go beyond any single perspective.
Join us for thought-provoking discussions that bridge the gap between theory and practice in the world of anesthesia.
All episodes
Best episodes
Seasons
Top 10 Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

A Look Into the Core Anesthesia App with its Creators: Cole Dill & Tanner Hulin
Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward
09/29/23 • 28 min
Take listen as Joe interviews the founders of CORE Anesthesia!

Medical Malpractice Policies: What you didn't know, but should
Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward
04/17/23 • 80 min
Meet Julie Nycum, CPCU, RPLU, ARM, the current director of AANA Insurance Services, providing medical malpractice to CRNAs across the country through Medical Protective (med pro). Julie worked for Medical Protective (med pro), a Berkshire Hathaway Company writing 2 billion in policies a year for 24 years as Vice President of Underwriting. In 2006 she met with AANA insurance services on behalf of med pro to develop the medical malpractice services AANA uses today.
On this podcast we talk about:
- Occurrence vs Claims made and how important it is to know the difference related to YOUR risk and why over time claims made is MORE expensive
- Buying claims made "tail" isn't as simple as it sounds. Or as good.
- Time does not start until discovery starts. Might be past your claims-made policy and then YOU are on the hook.
- Consent to Settle & Hammer Clauses (Scary Stuff)
- You can be named (and need coverage) for NON-Anesthesia issues
- Policies may cover a lot more than you are aware of like lost wages etc.
- What does "1 million per occurrence and 3 million aggregate" coverage mean?
- Why 1/3 mil vs 250/500K per claim/aggregates are different in different states? Should you get a 1/3 policy anyway?
- What happens if a claim went OVER the max/occurrence (1 million) policy? You pay that is what happens.
- Why does Admitted vs Non-Admitted matter? The Oceanus Story
- Does AM Best matter to providers or facilities?
- How the size of an insurance company impacts the lawyers you get access to
- If you own an anesthesia company should you have special insurance for your contractors for vicarious liability?
- If you are covered by a groups policy should you also have your own to protect your interest?
- Does a settlement result in you being reported to the national practitioner databank?
- Is there any increased cost for med mal for an independent CRNA to the CRNA?
- Is there extra cost for the facility or surgeon working with an independent CRNA?
- Is there decreased cost for the CRNA or facility when working in an Anesthesia Care Team with a physician anesthesiologist? "liability shield"
- If you do ketamine clinics, medical aesthetics, IV infusion work does your CRNA medical malpractice cover these things?
- Medical Malpractice rates have not increased for CRNAs at Med Pro for 14 years. Now they are increasing, why and what does that mean?
- When do you have to report to the med mal company? Can you self-trigger coverage by hearing something might happen or when an event occurs? Can claims made do this?
- Whats the process and length of time of a claim?
Addendum: If you are threatened with a claim (lawsuit) you should report that to medpro in writing ASAP.

CRNA Recertification, the NBCRNA and the CPC with Dr. Terry Wicks
Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward
09/19/19 • 41 min
The entire medical industry has seen significant controversy when it comes to recertification and certification and the CRNA world has been no different. This episode I talk to Dr Terry Wicks the incoming President of the National Board of Certification and Recertification for Nurse Anesthetists (NBCRNA) about the new CPC program and recertification in general.

Interview with Dr. Randall Moore Chief Anesthetist Officer of Northstar Anesthesia Part 1
Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward
06/01/22 • 35 min
Meet the former AANA CEO and now Chief Anesthetist Officer of Northstar Anesthesia Dr. Randall Moore DNP, MBA, CRNA. We talk about ALL the things in this 3 part interview! Topics range from anesthesia reimbursement, the impact of the pandemic, the difficulty recruiting, why he left the AANA, culture, what his new role entails at Northstar, and what it takes to build a functional anesthesia team!
There is an incredible amount of information packed into this 3 part interview from a leader in one of the leading companies in anesthesia services in the United States.
https://northstaranesthesia.com/our-culture/leadership.html

Dr. Joe Rodriguez testifies against title protection bill in Wisconsin
Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward
06/21/23 • 19 min
In an attempt to control the freedom of what other professions call themselves and limit titles in Wisconsin, the medical society introduced SB 143.
On May 24, Wisconsin Association of Nurse Anesthetists President Jenna Palzkill—as well as Dr. Joe Rodriguez, who was representing the AANA—helped inform and educate the Wisconsin Senate Committee on Health on why proposed SB 143 does NOT help Wisconsinites.
If passed, this bill would preclude the use of the title Nurse Anesthesiologist in the state. An attempt of one competitor trying to control another. This is the audio of that testimony that ended this attempt.
You can learn more about the genesis of Nurse Anesthesiologist here: https://www.nurseanesthesiologistinfo.com/

Josh Condado, CRNA Deconstructs the Path to Real Estate Investing for Anesthesia Professionals
Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward
12/18/23 • 32 min
In this session, we talk with Josh Condado, CRNA, from his initial foray into a highly controlled anesthesia ACT lead to his exploration of real estate investing. It makes us wonder how fully utilizing CRNA roles can significantly enhance staff retention – but that’s for another episode. Josh is only 31 years old, but it was an enlightening conversation about diversification with real estate investing, something anesthesia providers of all types can potentially diversify their assets with.
This show has been produced by Adkins Media Co.

Mike MacKinnon is Back! Massachusetts Opt Out and What it Means vs
Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward
06/07/24 • 20 min
In this conversation, Joe Rodriguez interviews Michael McKinnon, podcast founder, CRNA, and assistant program director at National University. They discuss two topics: the supervision clarification advisory opinion from the Arizona Board of Nursing and the opt-out of Medicare Part A physician supervision requirements in Massachusetts. McKinnon shares his perspective on these issues and emphasizes the importance of removing barriers to competition and promoting a level playing field in healthcare.
Keywords
CRNA, supervision clarification, advisory opinion, Arizona Board of Nursing, AA, opt-out, Medicare Part A, physician supervision, Massachusetts
Takeaways
- Removing barriers to competition and promoting a level playing field in healthcare is important.
- The supervision clarification advisor opinion from the Arizona Board of Nursing allows CRNAs to supervise other health professionals.
- The opt-out of Medicare Part A physician supervision requirements in Massachusetts eliminates the perception of supervision and reduces liability concerns for CRNAs.
- The opt-out also simplifies contract negotiations and promotes collaboration between CRNAs and surgeons.
- CRNAs should have the opportunity to choose the model of care that best suits their practice and the needs of their patients.
- More states should consider opting out of Medicare Part A physician supervision requirements to improve access to care and increase provider options.
00:00
Introduction and Background of Michael McKinnon
01:04
Supervision Clarification Advisor Opinion in Arizona
05:21
Opposition to Anti-Competitive Legislation
09:31
Opting Out of Medicare Part A Supervision Requirements in Massachusetts
12:20
Impact of Opting Out on CRNAs and Service Line Management
16:29
Future Plans and Conclusion

Navigating New Frontiers: NorthStar Anesthesia's Approach to Modern Anesthesia Challenges
Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward
04/15/24 • 43 min
Introduction:
- In this episode of "Anesthesia Deconstructed," we delve into the evolving landscape of anesthesia services with two leading figures from NorthStar Anesthesia: Randall Moore, DNP, MBA, CRNA, Chief CRNA, and Jim Roberts, MD, Chief Medical Officer. Together, they shed light on NorthStar's innovative strategies in navigating staffing shortages, private equity involvement, and the complexities of the post-No Surprises Act era.
Guest Insights:
- Randall Moore brings a wealth of experience in anesthesia management and clinical excellence, offering a unique perspective on the role of advanced practice anesthesia professionals in addressing current challenges.
- Jim Roberts shares his insights from the viewpoint of medical leadership, emphasizing the importance of strategic partnerships and quality care in the face of industry shifts.
NorthStar's Journey:
- A brief overview of NorthStar Anesthesia, detailing its foundation, mission, and evolution into a leading national anesthesia services provider.
Key Topics:
- Addressing Staffing Shortages: Strategies and initiatives employed by NorthStar to combat the ongoing staffing challenges in healthcare, particularly within anesthesia services.
- Private Equity and Corporate Investment: An examination of the role of private equity in healthcare, specifically in anesthesia services, and how NorthStar navigates these issues.
- Thriving Post-No Surprises Act: Discussion on the impacts of the No Surprises Act on anesthesia services, with a focus on NorthStar's adaptive strategies to ensure financial stability and patient satisfaction.
- Blueprint for Success: Insights into NorthStar's operational, clinical, and strategic methodologies that have positioned them for success in a rapidly changing healthcare environment.
Why It Matters:
- This episode offers a glimpse into the operational and strategic mindset of one of the leading anesthesia services providers, highlighting actionable strategies for navigating modern healthcare challenges. It serves as an invaluable resource for anesthesia professionals, healthcare administrators, and anyone interested in the intersections of healthcare policy, management, and clinical excellence.

The Business of Anesthesia Part 1
Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward
03/27/21 • 28 min
Please join me for this discussion with Joe Rodriguez MSN CRNA where we talk about the trials and tribulations of building an anesthesia company, being successful at it and all the pitfalls in between! Learn the ropes in this 2 part series!

Special Series: 5 Questions: Matt Mazurek, MD on Burnout and Anesthesia’s “Dirty Little Secret”
Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward
11/06/23 • 52 min
As part of our series “5 Questions” - we’re happy to have Dr. Matt Mazurek, MD, Physician Anesthesiologist, and perennial learner. Matt has done it all: private practice, Chief of Staff, working for a “big box” shop, and now academics at Yale. Although he became known to the show from his article supporting full practice for CRNAs, we brought him back to talk about burnout and how he avoids it, work-life Integration, what he believes is the “dirty little secret” of healthcare.
Show more best episodes

Show more best episodes
FAQ
How many episodes does Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward have?
Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward currently has 55 episodes available.
What topics does Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward cover?
The podcast is about Health & Fitness, Entrepreneurship, Nursing, Medicine, Podcasts, Crna, Anesthesiology, Business and Politics.
What is the most popular episode on Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward?
The episode title 'You Have a Complaint Against Your License: Understand, Defend and Navigate' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward?
The average episode length on Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward is 39 minutes.
How often are episodes of Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward released?
Episodes of Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward are typically released every 28 days.
When was the first episode of Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward?
The first episode of Anesthesia Deconstructed: Moving Anesthesia Forward was released on Sep 19, 2019.
Show more FAQ

Show more FAQ