Editor’s note: Responses have been lightly edited for length and clarity. If you would like to contribute to our next question, please email phaeffele@beckershealthcare.com.
Question: What would you put on an ASC management “cheat sheet”?
Dr. Gary Haynes: Some important points for anesthesia at an ASC:
- Solid anesthesia professionals who are focused on excellent patient care.
- Complete pre-anesthetic clearance and evaluation to last minute delays or cancellations.
- Reliable scheduling: must keep cases within planned hours of operation to avoid overtime costs and patient complaints.
- Very capable anesthesiologists: ASC patients are increasingly complicated with comorbidities; need anesthesiologists who can manage.
- Always need a plan for patient disposition when there is a complication.
