Cost of anesthesiologist visit by state

What do they do at an anesthesiologist appointment?

During your anesthesiologist appointment, the doctor responsible for putting you to sleep during surgery will meet with you. After reviewing your current health status, medical problems, medications, and history, your anesthesiologist will develop a plan for safely monitoring you during your surgery. 

The anesthesiologist will discuss your past and current health, perform a physical examination, and review any test results.

What is done at a pre-anesthesia test?

Types of pre-anesthesia testing will vary, depending on the type of surgery you’ll be having. Tests that may be required include:

• Laboratory tests
• EKG
• Chest x-ray

Do anesthesiologists talk to patients?

Anesthesiologists do talk to patients. During an anesthesiologist appointment, you’ll meet and speak with your anesthesiologist. If your surgery is an emergency, the anesthesiologist will speak with your family members that are present.

Why do I need to see an anesthesiologist before surgery?

Seeing an anesthesiologist before your surgery ensures that everything will go smoothly during your procedure. The anesthesiologist can prepare for anything that might be expected. For example, if you tend to get sick after anesthesia, knowing this ahead of time allows the anesthesiologist to give you medicines that will prevent it from happening.

Does an anesthesiologist stay during surgery?

An anesthesiologist stays with you throughout your surgery. They will manage your pain and monitor all your body functions. They will manage your intravenous line and give medications to you throughout the surgery.

Does anesthesia put you to sleep?

There are different types of anesthesia. Some, like general anesthesia, will put you in a sleep-like state where you do not feel or remember anything. Other types of anesthesia include:

• Intravenous or monitored sedation. Intravenous medications sedate you and can be adjusted from a level of just feeling drowsy to very sedated. You will probably not remember anything after this type of anesthesia. 
• Regional anesthesia. This type of anesthesia numbs a large body area, but you will remain awake. Epidurals used for childbirth are a type of regional anesthesia. 
• Local anesthesia. Used for small areas like for getting stitches. You are fully awake.

Anesthesiologists administer and monitor all kinds of anesthesia. Together with your anesthesiologist, you’ll make a plan for the most effective way to ensure a safe surgical procedure.