information
For patients
What is an anaesthetist?
An anaesthetists is a specialist doctor who is responsible for providing anaesthesia to patients for their operations and procedures.
Types of anaesthetic services
Anaesthetic services can be categorised into the following areas. Note you may receive a combination of the services, depending on the requirements of your procedure:
General Anaesthesia
A general anaesthetic will be used for larger operations. You will be unconscious so you will not feel any pain or be aware during your procedure.
Local anaesthesia
A local anaesthetic is used to numb a particular part of the body. This type of anaesthesia ensure you feel no pain during the procedure. The anaesthetist injects the anaesthetic into the tissue around the site of your procedure. Local anaesthesia may be used on its own or in conjunction with other forms of sedation.
Regional anaesthesia
A regional anaesthetic is a local anaesthetic used to numb a large part of your body. Regional anaesthesia may be used on its own or in conjunction with other forms of sedation.
Sedation
Sedation is monitored anaesthesia or “twilight” medication to make you feel drowsy and relaxed. You are sleepy but not fully unconscious. Depending on your procedure, different levels of sedation can be administered to you usually via an intravenous drip (or cannula). You typically have no recollection after the procedure.
Information about your procedure
before your anaesthetic
Before your procedure your anaesthetist will talk with you and ask you many questions about your health, medications, allergies and your past experience with anaesthesia. This will help to ensure your safety when the anaesthetic is being administered.
Before your procedure you will be given instructions on when you should commence your “nil by mouth” or fasting period. This is important to ensure you have nothing in your stomach that can come up your throat and enter your lungs during your procedure.
after your operation
After your operation the anaesthetist will reverse the medication to wake you up. You will be advised of the common side effects that you may experience. These include nausea, vomiting, itching and shivering. You may also experience some pain. Your anaesthetist and specialist will administer medication during and after the procedure to help to manage this for you. Your anaesthetist will try to make sure you are awake after your procedure and to ensure you are as comfortable as possible.
Pain management
Our team of experienced Pain Medicine Physicians are here to assist with the diagnosis and treatment of chronic pain. Our physicians are able to deliver an effective treatment plan that combines pain medication and interventional procedures that assist in reducing persistent pain.
what is chronic pain?
Chronic pain is persistent pain that has not subsided within the expected healing time. Usually this is pain that lasts 3 to 6 months longer than anticipated. This type of pain is common, affecting 1 in 5 Australians. Chronic pain effects your day-to-day life and mental well-being. It is a complex condition that involves the nerves and the nervous system. Effective management of the condition helps you to increase your quality of life.
consultations and procedures
Your treatment plan will be developed by your specialist and will involve a combination of consultations and procedures. Please contact us for further details of the associated fees.
The types of procedures that may be used during your treatment include:
The following websites provide additional information that may assist with your understanding of the anaesthetic services you will receive:
Australian and New Zealand College of Anaesthetists
Your anaesthetic fee
Each of our anaesthetists is an independent medical practitioner. As such they are required by law to set their own fee schedule. These fees are based on recommendations from the Australasian Society of Anaesthetists and the Australian Medical Association. Note there is usually a gap associated with the anaesthetist fee.
You may have been provided with an estimate of your anaesthetic fees from your surgeon. If not, we will be pleased to provide you with this. The name of your procedure and the expected duration will be required. Please note this is an estimate only – actual fees will be based on the actual duration of your procedure. Please contact us to arrange for the fee estimate. You should also check with your health fund as to the likely rebate you will receive from them.
If you require any further information regarding your anaesthetic fees, please contact us. In addition, the following Australasian Society of Anaesthetists website links provide additional information that may assist in understanding your fees and rebates available: What will it cost? | Rebates explained
