FAQs — Anesthesia Advantage

Question 1

How will I need to prepare?

Accepted Answer

You will be contacted by one of the healthcare professionals from Anesthesia Advantage before the date of the surgery for a pre-operative screening to assess your health history. Instructions will be reviewed at this time. Please be as complete as possible in your responses, and if you have medical conditions, some additional testing may be required before the procedure.

Question 2

Is it safe to have anesthesia in the office?

Accepted Answer

All Anesthesia Advantage providers are specifically trained in Office Based Anesthesia. We monitor vital signs during the entire procedure, as recommended by the American Society of Anesthesiology. These include heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, oxygenation and respiration. All anesthesia carries some risk. These risks will be discussed by your Anesthesiologist/CRNA.

Question 3

Why can't my doctor do it him/herself?

Accepted Answer

The safe administration of anesthesia requires a dedicated anesthesia provider to monitor these highly potent drugs. Hospitals require that a licensed healthcare provider — other than the surgeon — administer the medications and monitor the patient. We feel the same or greater quality of care should be done in the office facility.

Question 4

Will I be unconscious?

Accepted Answer

The level of sedation is varied and controlled by the anesthesia provider. You may have brief periods of loss of reflexes and "sleep" or "unconsciousness". The level or depth of anesthesia required will be determined by the Anesthesiologist/CRNA after a discussion with the surgeon and the patient.

Question 5

Are there any side effects?

Accepted Answer

Some side effects may include nausea, headache, or vomiting. These side effects can be related to the procedure or the medications and may occur within the 48 hours following the procedure. If any of these occur, contact your physician/surgeon. Anesthesia Advantage will provide your practice with a pager number for emergencies.

Question 6

Will I be able to return to work?

Accepted Answer

Not on the day that you have your procedure. Due to the medication administered during the sedation, it is important that you rest the remainder of the day. This will give your body time for the drugs to leave your system.

Question 7

Will I be able to drive home?

Accepted Answer

Safety requirements include having a responsible adult to drive the patient home and be present during the recovery period. The office recovery time is approximately 30 to 60 minutes, depending on the length of the procedure. The procedure will not be performed without a responsible party to provide transportation and home care. Unchaperoned public transportation is not permitted.

Question 8

Is this service covered by my insurance?

Accepted Answer

Insurance companies will vary on their amount of coverage according to the type of procedure. Anesthesia Advantage will investigate whether the procedure will be covered by insurance. The office staff will provide the insurance information and all possible procedures to be performed to Anesthesia Advantage. We will contact the practice with approval or denial of insurance coverage.

Frequently Asked Questions