What to expect the day of surgery?

1. What do I need to do before surgery?

All patients should receive preoperative instructions from the staff of their place of surgery (Moses Cone, Moses Cone surgery center, Welsey Long, North Elam Surgery Center). It is important to follow these instructions closely. Please call your surgery center/hospital if you did not receive these instructions. 

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2. When will I meet my anesthesiologist?

You will have chance to meet and talk with your anesthesiologist the day of your surgery. If you have significant medical problems, our PAs with Preadmission Testing will work with you, your surgeon and your primary care physician so that we can thoroughly review your case and medical history.   

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3. What happens before my surgery?

You will be checked in by the pre-operative nurse and an IV will be inserted. You will meet the OR nurse, the certified nurse anesthetist (CRNA) and the anesthesiologist. The anesthesiologist will perform a focused medical and surgical history followed by a detailed plan for your anesthesia care. If you are having a nerve block, the regional anesthetic may be performed in the pre-operative area before going to surgery. Sometimes, additional IV access may be required for your surgery, which may also take place preop.

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4. What happens after my surgery?

You will be woken up in the operating room and transported to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), where you will recover from the anesthesia for roughly one hour. You will be monitored and administered pain medications by a PACU nurse under the direction of the anesthesiologist until you are admitted to the floor (inpatient) or discharged home (outpatient).  Some surgeries may require longer recovery room stays for closer observation.

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5. How will my child be anesthetized for surgery?

Depending on the patient's age, size and the surgery being performed, some children may need to have an IV placed in preop. Other times, we can use gases through a mask to put your child to sleep. This plan will be determined on the day of surgery by your anesthesiologist. Typically we administer an oral medication in preop to decrease anxiety. If your child takes any medications for anxiety, it is a good idea to administer this prior to leaving home. 

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Billing Questions

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1. Why did I receive a separate bill for my anesthesia?

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Our anesthesia providers are not employed by the facilities where we provide care. Fees for anesthesia are billed separately. You may receive separate bills from the surgeon, hospital, or surgery center for their fees.

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2. Will I receive an additional bill from the hospital for Anesthesia?

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Hospitals and surgery centers often include in their bill any supplies, equipment and medications related to anesthesia, but not anesthesia services. 

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3. Does Anesthesiology Consultants of North Carolina accept my insurance?

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We participate with many of the area’s major insurance carriers, including many smaller insurance providers. Please contact our billing partner, Abeo, at 888-276-1910 to see if we accept your carrier.

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4. Did you bill my insurance?

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We make every attempt to file a claim with the insurance carrier you provided to the facility where your procedure is performed before sending you a statement. Depending on your health care plan, you may be required to pay a portion of the bill as a result of your plan’s deductible, co-insurance and/or co-pay. For specific details on your obligations, please contact your insurance carrier.

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5. How do I pay my bill?

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To pay your bill online by credit card, click here. When paying by personal check, please make checks payable to Anesthesia Consultants of North Carolina PLLC and include the bottom portion of your statement when mailing.  To pay your bill by phone or discuss other payment options, please call our billing partner, Abeo, at 888-276-1910.

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6. What if I do not have insurance?

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Payment alternatives are available for those individuals that may be uninsured or unable to pay due to financial hardships. To apply for financial assistance, please contact Cone Health Patient Financial Services at 336-832-8014 or 866-479-8800.  To discuss payment options please contact our billing partner, Abeo, at 888-276-1910.

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