Feel Ready for your Procedure.
We understand you may have questions before receiving Anesthesia care for an upcoming procedure. We have compiled our most common patient questions with provided detailed answers.
Click the arrow to view the answer to each question.
Who will take care of me while I receive anesthesia?
MCAA Follows the Anesthesia Care Team model, meaning you will have a dedicated anesthetist, either a CRNA or CAA, who will be with you at all times during your procedure, as well as a supervising Anesthesiologist. This team approach provides patients with a team of professionals rather than a sole provider, placing an emphasis on patient safety and improved outcomes.
Why did I receive two anesthesia bills?
It is common for patients to receive two separate bills for anesthesia – you are not being double billed! This separate billing is a requirement set forth by The Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services as well as the insurance companies.
Does MCAA follow ASA guidelines?
Yes, we do! The ASA (American Society of Anesthesiologists) is the national organization which maintains and raises the standards of the medical practice of anesthesiology and works to constantly improve patient care. Here are the ASA Statements and Practice Parameters.
Do I need to fast before surgery?
MCAA follows the ASA guidelines for fasting prior to anesthesia in order to improve the safety and outcomes for our patients. Fasting helps to reduce gastric contents and reduces the risk of regurgitation and pulmonary aspiration during procedures. Specific timing for fasting will be determined and communicated prior to your procedure date by the Pre Admission Testing team at each facility. Here are the Anesthesiology Guidelines for Fasting.
I take a GLP1 medication (Ozempic, Mounjaro, Wegovy, Rybelsus, Zepbound, Saxenda) – what does this mean for my anesthesia?
These medications are effective treatments for type 2 diabetes and weight management. They operate by stimulating insulin release which lowers blood sugar, slows gastric emptying, and increases feelings of fullness. Due to this mechanism of action, MCAA and Piedmont healthcare provide recommendations that patients must hold these medications for one week prior to receiving anesthesia in order to meet the ASA standards for fasting.
Will Anesthesia make me sick?
Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting (PONV) is a well known and well studied risk of anesthesia. As such, the ASA has comprehensive guidelines for assessing risk of PONV and taking both prophylactic actions, as well as steps to treat patients who awaken from anesthesia with PONV. Here are Fourth Consensus Guidelines for the Management of Postoperative Nausea and Vomiting.
For additional questions, please consult your Surgeon or Anesthesiologist.
Medical Center Anesthesiology of Athens 