Selecting an anesthesiologist

Patients should be able to choose their anesthesiologist. You may be referred to an anesthesiologist by your surgeon or you may select one based upon personal recommendation, prior experience or other information. The earlier you make the choice of your anesthesiologist known the greater the likelihood that your selected anesthesiologist will be available.

Prior to your operation you should be able to meet and speak to your anesthesiologist. This will allow the anesthesiologist to examine you and evaluate all medical conditions, your medications and determine what sort of anesthesia will be best suited for your operation. The anesthesiologist will discuss the anesthetic choices, risks and benefits and with your concurrence, prescribe an appropriate anesthetic plan. Your anesthesiologist will review your chart and determine whether there are any conditions or problems that require correction prior to your operation.

Because your medical history including all your medications is very important you should be as accurate and complete as possible. This will allow your anesthesiologist to better manage your anesthetic.

Your anesthesiologist is concerned for your anesthetic care and comfort before, during, and after your operation. Certain medical conditions, such as heart disease, diabetes, obesity, high blood pressure, lung disease, kidney disease, and other conditions may produce distinct problems that your anesthesiologist must deal with during your operation.

An adult and a pediatric preoperative questionnaire is available on our website. You may choose to print out a copy, fill it out and bring it with you to the hospital on the day of your surgery. This will be very helpful to your anesthesiologist.

Pediatric Questionnaire  •  Adult Questionnaire