YOUR ANAESTHESIA

Undergoing a procedure can be a daunting experience. We hope this information will answer your questions and ease your mind regarding your anaesthesia.

Independent Anaesthetists

At Independent Anaesthetists we look after the individual practices of Specialist Anaesthetists.

We are here to assist you with any queries you may have before and following your procedure and will put you in touch with your anaesthetist where required.

All our Anaesthetists are medical doctors with specialist training in the area of anaesthesia. They are experienced, well qualified professionals who will ensure you receive the best possible care.

What does your anaesthetist do?

What happens at your pre-anaesthetic consultation?

Between the time your are admitted to hospital and are taken to the operating theatre, your anaesthetist will consult with you regarding your anaesthesia. This discussion may include:

• Your general health and your medications
• Allergies and/or reactions to drugs or foods
• Any previous anaesthesia you have undergone
• The anaesthesia you will be undergoing and what you can expect
• Risks and complications of this anaesthesia

Risks & Complications

Australia is one of the safest places in the world for anaesthesia care. However, with any medical or surgical procedure, there are risks and potential complications.

Generally, the most common side effects include sore throat, drowsiness and nausea or vomiting. Other risks related to your specific procedure and health status will be explained by your anaesthetist.

More information can be obtained in the Patient Information section of the Australian Society of Anaesthetists (ASA) website or from the Australia and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists (ANZCA) website.

Types of Anaesthesia?

Your anaesthesia will vary depending on the procedure you are undergoing, your health, personal wishes and the assessment of your anaesthetist.

• General: where you are put into a controlled state of unconsciousness and then woken up after your procedure.
• Sedation: where you will have a decreased awareness of your surroundings. Some patients may have little or no recall of the procedure afterwards.
• Regional: which includes nerve block, spinal block or epidurals. This anaesthetic numbs the general surgical area and to ensure your comfort, may be given in conjunction with sedation.
• Local: where local anaesthetic is injected directly into the surgical site, numbing the general area and may also be given in conjunction with sedation.

Following your procedure

• You will be moved to a post anaesthetic care unit where you will be closely monitored.
• In the immediate post operative period you will be drowsy and may be administered oxygen, anti-pain and anti-nausea medication.
• You will taken back to the ward when sufficiently awake, stable and comfortable.

Anaesthesia Fees

Fees are determined by the complexity and duration of your anaesthesia and are generally midway between the Medicare Benefit Schedule and the AMA recommended fee. Medicare and private health fund rebates do not usually cover the full cost of private anaesthetic fees. So, for many procedures there will be an “out of pocket” expense or “gap” for you to pay.

Our Fee Responsibilities

 To inform you of the anticipated anaesthetic fees prior to your procedure, where this is practical.
 To help you to understand the fees.
 To issue your account in a timely manner unless prepayment of the anaesthetic fee is required prior to surgery.
 To comply with the HIC billing requirements.

Your Fee Responsibilities

 To ensure that you understand the quoted fee.
 To ensure that your account is paid within the required time.
 To contact us if you have any queries or concerns regarding fees, or if you will have significant difficulty paying the fees. Please do not hesitate to contact us prior to your procedure.

How to Prepare for Safer Anaesthesia and Recovery

• Improve your fitness by stopping smoking and consuming less alcohol.
• In the lead up to your procedure, keep as active as you can each day.
• Inform your surgeon and anaesthetist of health issues, and tell them if you have been unwell in the week leading up to your anaesthesia.
• Ensure your surgeon and anaesthetist are aware of any medications you are taking.
• Ask your surgeon and anaesthetist which medications should be stopped or continued prior to your procedure, such as blood-thinners and medications for diabetes, blood pressure, heart conditions.
• Check fasting instructions. As a guide you may have limited solid food (this includes chewing gum) up to 6 hours prior to anaesthesia, and clear fluids (e.g. water, pulp free juice, black tea / coffee - no milk) may be taken up to 2 hours prior to anaesthesia (limited to 200 ml per hour).
• Be sure you have a responsible adult to accompany you home on discharge.
• Contact our office with any queries or concerns prior to your procedure.

We hope this information has been helpful, and we wish you a speedy recovery.