Department of Anesthesiology

Before your surgery at Hoag Memorial Hospital Presbyterian, you will meet a physician specialist - your anesthesiologist. Your anesthesiologist is one of the physicians caring for you in the operating room. As a vital member of your surgical team, the anesthesiologist has the critical responsibility for your safety and comfort when you undergo an operation.

A doctor from Newport Harbor Anesthesia Consultants (NHAC) will provide your anesthesia. This is a group of physicians who provide anesthesia, critical care and pain management services exclusively at Hoag Hospital and its affiliated surgery centers. Each physician is a specialist in anesthesiology. In addition to certification by the American Board of Anesthesiology, several member of NHAC are board certified in critical care medicine, emergency medicine, family medicine, internal medicine, neurology, pain management, pediatrics and pharmacology.

Your Anesthesiologist

Your anesthesiologist may call you at home the evening prior to your operation. At this time, you will discuss your health history, the plans for your anesthetic and your operation. The anesthesiologist will carefully evaluate your medical history and ask about any medications you may be taking. In addition, this physician will inform you about the procedures associated with your surgery, discuss the anesthetic choices and the risks and benefits. Your anesthesiologist will be able to answer any questions you may have about anesthesia.

You will meet your anesthesiologist in person immediately before your operation. He or she will review your medical records for a clear understanding of your needs and medical conditions and you will again be able to discuss any questions or concerns. He or she will also discuss the anesthesia consent and arbitration agreement with you.

Types of Anesthesia

There are three types of anesthesia:

General Anesthesia - you are unconscious and have no awareness of the surgical procedure or other sensations

Regional Anesthesia - your anesthesiologist will inject medicine near a cluster of nerves to numb the area of your body that requires surgery

Local Anesthesia - anesthetic is injected into the skin and tissues to numb a specific area

A mild sedative is also commonly given to patients who receive regional or local anesthesia. While you may be aware of your surgery with regional or local anesthesia, you will not feel any pain. We utilize the latest technology to monitor your level of consciousness and ensure your comfort during surgery. Based on your preferences and your surgeon's concerns, the anesthesiologist will determine the best type of anesthesia for you.

During the Operation

At Hoag Hospital, your anesthesiologist is integrally involved in your safety and comfort before, during and immediately after your operation. In the operating room, your anesthesiologist will provide your anesthesia and monitor heart rate and rhythm, breathing, blood pressure, temperature and oxygen level of your blood. He or she is also focused on your specific medical conditions, and is well prepared to treat them during your entire surgery. The anesthesiologist will be with you during your entire procedure.

Your anesthesiologist continues to be responsible for your care in the recovery room. Here, the anesthesiologist and surgeon direct a specially trained staff. This staff will care for you until you are ready to be transferred to the next unit or discharged home.

Committed to Care and Comfort

People are often apprehensive about their surgery and anesthesia. If you are well informed and know what to expect, you will be more relaxed. At Hoag Hospital, we encourage you to talk with your anesthesiologist and ask questions. Your anesthesiologist is not only your advocate, but also the physician uniquely qualified and experienced to make your anesthesia and recovery safe and comfortable.

Questions about Anesthesia

If you have any questions about your anesthesia, please call Hoag's Department of Anesthesiology at 949/764-6954. The office hours are Monday through Friday, 9 am to 5 pm. You can also visit the Newport Harbor Anesthesia Consultants web site at www.nhacmg.com.

Questions about Billing and Insurance

If patients have questions regarding billing information, they can contact Medac at 866-457-6410. Their hours are Monday-Thursday 8am-4pm and Friday from 6am to 3pm.

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