QUESTIONS DENTISTS ARE ASKING FROM THE NEWSLETTERS
Q: Do I need any special equipment in my office?
A:
No. I provide all drugs, monitoring and emergency equipment. I know
what is required because I am a general anesthesia evaluator for the Dental
Board.
Q: How can I promote and present anesthesia to my patients?
A:
We have educational material available. Typically you can tell patients
that it is very similar to the anesthesia they had for their colonoscopy.
A: Is it safe?
A:
Extremely. I have not had a serious reaction in over 32 years.
Q: What does my staff need to know about the anesthesia?
A:
See Suggestions for Assistants
Q: Is any paperwork involved with my office?
A:
All I ask is that the patient be given a rough estimate of the fees based upon
your time. We do the rest.
Q: What types of patients will you treat or not treat?
A:
I do not treat children under the age of 12. I do not treat severely
mentally challenged or severe Alzheimer's patients. I do have recommended
referrals for these patients.
Q: How are financial matters handled?
A:
All I ask is that the patient be given a rough estimate of the fees based upon
your time. We do the rest in advance.
Q: Do you give the local anesthesia also?
A:
Yes. I do ask that you provide the syringe and cartidges.
Q: Can I use water or rubber dams?
A:
Absolutely
Q: What if I need cooperation from the patient?
A: Just let me know five minutes prior to needing cooperation and you will have it.
Q: Does insurance cover anesthesia services?
A:
If the patient is not already over max and it is a covered benefit, yes.
With medical they need to cover your charges before they will consider the
anesthesia.
Q: What does it cost the patient?
A:
$396 per hour.
Q: Do I need a permit?
A: No
Q: How long of a case can we do?
A:
That would depend on the health of the patient. Healthy patients can
easily tolerate 8 hours of non-intubated deep sedation.
Q: What is the difference between a nurse anesthetist, dentist
anesthesiologist and physician anesthesiologist?
A: To utilize the services of a nurse anesthetist you must have your own anesthesia permit. For a comparison between the abilities in the dental office of a DDS and MD anesthesiologist see Comparisons.
Q: Can you pay me something per hour out of your fee for the scheduling and misc. supplies I provide?
A: That would be considered fee-splitting and is illegal. You can however, if you inform the patient in advance, charge your own set-up fee or operating room fee based upon an hourly basis. Some offices I'm told charge up to $100-$150 per hour. Some offices I work in actually reduce their fees since the anesthesia increases their production.
Q: I'm ready to start. How do I schedule?