Anesthesiologists criticize contract

Art Nadler

Friday, June 14, 1996 | 11:59 a.m.

One anesthesiology group has had an exclusive obstetrics contract with University Medical Center since 1991, prompting some competitors to cry foul.

"We could save the university $438,000 a year," one local anesthesiologist, who requested anonymity, said. "That's the advantage of competitive bidding. They (the hospital) said they would take our name and number and send us an invitation to bid. But we never got anything. We can't even get in the ball game."

According to Dale Pugh, spokesman for UMC, Dr. Rao Yerramsetti of Nevada Anesthesia Consultants provides services to the hospital for $552,000 a year. He confirmed that the county-run hospital doesn't solicit bids, partly because UMC has been satisfied with Yerramsetti's services.

"This is considered a professional service contract," Pugh said. "You have to look at more than the cost. Quality of care is also an issue."

Pugh said in the past no qualified anesthesiologists could meet UMC's standards. Yerramsetti provides UMC with seven anesthesiologists. There are 150 board certified anesthesiologists throughout Clark County.

Attempts to reach Yerramsetti for comment were unsuccessful. He reportedly pays anesthesiologists $1,200 a day to remain on call at UMC. One anesthesiology group was willing to waive that fee if they were awarded the contract.

Pugh said UMC would be interested in talking to any anesthesiologists willing to service the hospital. The criteria would be that they must be "qualified and dedicated to the institution."

UMC has operated in the black for the last eight months, Pugh said, showing profits of $32,126 through February. The institution, however, is projecting a loss ot $3.5 million for 1997.

Paul Christensen, chairman of the UMC board of directors, said he has never been approached by other anesthesiologists seeking the hospital contract. Many anesthesiologists refused to work for UMC in the past, he said.

Christensen suggested that interested parties address the UMC board June 18 at 2 p.m. in the Clark County building, 500 S. Grand Central Parkway.