When Portneuf Medical Center in Pocatello, Idaho set out to strengthen its surgical services, it chose NorthStar Anesthesia as its strategic partner. Facing persistent challenges with OR efficiency related to anesthesia staffing, Portneuf sought more than incremental change. They needed a partner positioned to deliver meaningful operational improvements and long-term sustainability.
The Challenge
Portneuf’s surgical services were looking to modernize workflows and improve daily efficiency for providers and support staff. Anesthesia staffing had become a limiting factor for growth, and the team was looking for a new model to help expand services and sustain productive workflows.
Portneuf was also ready to grow its cardiovascular surgical service line — a major clinical expansion that required a stable and highly skilled anesthesia team to succeed.
The NorthStar Solution
In partnership with NorthStar, daily interdisciplinary huddles improved proactive communication and readiness across surgical service lines. Block management processes were redesigned to emphasize accountability and ensure optimal use of OR time. Real-time data reporting was introduced to provide transparency for executives, surgical teams, and staff, allowing for quicker identification of trends and opportunities.
NorthStar also built a close working relationship with Portneuf’s executive leadership to align anesthesia services with broader hospital goals. This collaboration enabled two adaptive contract amendments during the first year, reflecting a shared commitment to flexibility, cost savings, and operational improvement during a critical transition period.
“We needed a seat at the table,” added Dr. Josh Lumbley, Chief Quality Officer. “Not to simply react to problems—but to help lead the solution.”
The Results
The improvements were timely and measurable.
Total anesthesia units increased by 17%, reflecting a higher case mix including neurosurgery, orthopedics, and newly launched cardiovascular procedures facilitated by the hiring of an additional cardiac anesthesiologist. New points of service were added across the hospital, expanding procedural access for patients and creating new revenue streams. And in the first quarter of 2025, there was an 11% increase in on-time starts for all cases when compared to 2023, the year before NorthStar arrived.
Recruitment efforts were also accelerated by the partnership. A comprehensive strategy — including national outreach, tailored compensation packages, and local recruitment pipelines — allowed the hospital and NorthStar to attract and retain top CRNA and physician talent. New anesthesia leaders were introduced at the same time, bringing fresh vision to both anesthesiologist and CRNA leadership without major disruption to clinical services.
In addition to clinical growth, the partnership’s pharmacy stewardship initiative led to a significant reduction in overall pharmacy spend, producing savings without compromising patient care.
Why It Matters
At the center of Portneuf’s transformation was strong, empowered anesthesia leadership paired with disciplined operational execution.
A commitment to transparent data-sharing, flexible adaptation, and collaborative cultural change allowed NorthStar’s team at Portneuf to not only stabilize but expand and thrive.
This journey was not about quick wins or isolated improvements. It was about building durable systems, cultivating leadership, and a culture of collaboration.
NorthStar’s partnership with Portneuf laid the foundation for sustainable surgical growth and clinical excellence — a model that continues to thrive today.
Your Opportunity
At NorthStar Anesthesia, we believe the right partnership creates enduring success. If you’re ready to strengthen your surgical platform, unlock growth, and transform your anesthesia services into a true strategic asset, we are ready to help.
For more information about NorthStar Anesthesia and our services, contact [email protected] or visit www.northstaranesthesia.com.
