Frequently Asked Questions

Your Questions About Anesthesia Answered

General Anesthesia FAQs

When do I speak with my anesthesiologist?

The anesthesiologist assigned to your case typically calls you the night before surgery to address any questions and help reduce pre-surgery anxiety. If you cannot be reached, there will still be ample time to discuss everything on the day of surgery before entering the operating room.

Can I eat and drink on the day of surgery?

Generally, patients are instructed to refrain from eating or drinking starting at midnight the night before surgery. Your anesthesiologist will provide specific instructions for your situation.

What medications do I take the night before surgery?

Your anesthesiologist will give you instructions on which medications to take during the pre-surgery phone call. You may also receive a call from a nurse or someone from the surgeon's office to review your medication list. Any medications you need to take on the day of surgery should be taken with a small sip of water.

What if I have a problem at home after surgery?

For medical emergencies, contact your surgeon or dial 911. For questions or side effects related to your anesthesia care, contact the G2 Anesthesia office at (408) 399-5546, and we will connect you with the appropriate person.

When can I drive?

At discharge, you will receive instructions regarding the resumption of normal activities. Each patient receives individualized guidance based on the specific operation, anesthesia, and pain medications administered.

Regional Anesthesia FAQs

What is regional anesthesia?

Regional anesthesia involves using local anesthetics to block nerve conduction in a specific part of the body, preventing pain in that area. This is similar to the numbing "shot" given at the dentist’s office. We perform regional anesthesia for some surgical procedures and to control post-operative surgical or labor pain.

There are three types of regional anesthesia:

^1. Epidural Anesthesia

Description

Usage

Commonly used for certain surgical procedures, post-operative pain management, and labor pain control.

Procedure

Performed with the patient sitting or lying in a fetal position. An epidural introducer needle is used to place the catheter. The anesthetic takes about 15 minutes to take effect and can be continued for up to five days.

Risks and Side Effects

Common side effects include temporary headaches and blood pressure drops. Rare complications include serious infection, paralysis, seizures, and heart collapse.

^2. Spinal Anesthesia

Description

An anesthetic is placed into the spinal sac within the spinal column, usually at the lower back level.

Usage

Used for certain surgical procedures and post-operative pain management. Also used with epidural anesthesia for obstetrical surgery.

Procedure

Similar to epidural anesthesia but uses a very small needle. The effect is faster and usually takes about 10 minutes to set in, lasting up to four hours.

Risks and Side Effects

Similar to epidural anesthesia, with common side effects including temporary headaches and blood pressure drops. Rare complications include serious infection, paralysis, seizures, and heart collapse.

^3. Peripheral Nerve Anesthesia

Description

Also known as "nerve blocks," this method uses anesthetic injections to block nerve conduction in specific areas of the body.

Usage

Often used for prolonged post-operative pain relief and sometimes for primary intraoperative anesthesia.

Procedure

Performed before or after surgery using a nerve stimulator to locate the nerve, then injecting anesthetic. Effects can last up to 24 hours.

Risks and Side Effects

Risks include failed blocks and rare prolonged nerve anesthesia or paralysis. Extremely rare complications include serious infection, seizures, and heart collapse.

Local Anesthesia With Sedation FAQs

What is MAC Anesthesia?

MAC stands for "Monitored Anesthesia Care," involving sedation while allowing you to breathe independently. Local anesthetic is also applied to the surgical site.

What are the advantages of local anesthesia/sedation?

Side effects are minimized, recovery is quicker, and patient satisfaction is high for appropriately chosen cases.

Will I be awake?

Your level of awareness depends on the amount of medication you take and your individual response. You can inform your anesthesiologist if you want to be more asleep or awake, and they will be with you throughout the procedure.

What is topical anesthesia?

Topical anesthesia is commonly used in eye surgeries involving numbing eye drops. A regional "eye block" is sometimes performed to block eye movement.

What are the risks of topical and regional anesthesia?

Risks for topical anesthesia are minimal. The regional "eye block" technique has rare risks such as bleeding, infection, and mild discomfort during the injection.

What kind of sedation will I receive?

The sedative medication choice will be up to your anesthesiologist, with most being short-acting and having fewer side effects than general anesthesia.

Patient Billing FAQs

When will I receive my first bill from G2?

Insurance companies typically take 60 days or more to respond to claims. Sometimes, the insurer may request additional information from us, restarting the billing cycle, which can be repeated several times. As a result, it may be over four or five months after the date of service before you receive a bill from us. We prioritize patients first, then patience.

I have insurance; why did I receive a bill from G2?

Your policy likely includes a deductible, copay, or co-insurance that you are responsible for. If we do not participate with your insurance company and they are unresponsive to our payment requests, we may ask you to intervene with the insurer to resolve your unpaid bill. Sometimes, your voice matters the most.

What should I do if I receive a check from my insurance company?

Deposit the check into your personal account and pay the full amount due to G2 Anesthesia. This amount includes what your insurance company sent you plus your portion of responsibility, which may include coinsurance, copay, and/or deductible. You can pay this online here or by check:

G2 Anesthesia PC
P.O. Box 25002
Pasadena, CA 25002 

If you have questions, call (408) 399-5546, option 4#.

Why are there different charges on my bill?

In addition to administering anesthesia, G2 doctors may perform other services while patients undergo anesthesia. These services include specialized monitoring techniques and pain management nerve blocks.

Will I receive bills from other providers?

Yes, the hospital or surgery center will send you a bill for the facility services, and you will also receive a bill from your surgeon. If you have certain tests or procedures, you may receive separate bills for services such as radiology, pathology, cardiology, or other physician services.

How can I pay my bill to G2 Anesthesia?

G2 Anesthesia, PC
P. O. Box 103886
Pasadena, CA 91189-3886

If you have questions, call (408) 399-5546, option 4#.

What if I don't have insurance and need surgery (Self-Pay)?

We are here to help. Before your surgery, please contact us at (408) 399-5546, option 5# for pre-pay and self-pay options.

What should I do if I am having a non-covered elective cosmetic procedure (Pre-Pay)?

Good news! We offer discounted rates for all cosmetic procedures, but these must be handled at the time your surgery is scheduled. Payment will be collected at your plastic surgeon's office; if not, please call (408) 399-5546, option 4#, with your payment information to make arrangements and receive details.

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