Anesthesiologists Chicago IL

Based on interviews with anesthesiologists and the trade groups and boards representing them, it appears that the percentage becoming involved in pain therapy or treatment has risen slightly since 1999.  Marketdata Enterprises estimates that 10.6%, or 2,915 are now involved in pain management.  The field of anesthesiology related to the operating room has become saturated, and salaries have fallen, due to managed care.  In response, many anesthesiologists are pursuing dual careers, splitting their time between the hospital and a pain clinic.

In 1993, the American Board of Anesthesiology began certifying anesthesiologists in pain management.  To date, 2,834 doctors have been certified in pain management by the ABA, versus 2,533 in 2001.

Typical Caseloads.... 

Some anesthesiologists spend little time on patient evaluations, concentrating mostly on performing nerve block procedures.  At the high-volume end, the doctor may see 15-20 patients a day, several times per week.  At the low-volume end of the scale, an anesthesiologist may see 3-5 patients a day.  Most workweeks average 2-5 days. A typical epidural nerve block for lower back pain costs $350-400 for several visits. Costs vary, depending on the site of the block.  Some patients only come for 3-4 visits, while others may be treated for 1-2 years, and some do not respond to treatment at all.