Page 13 - 2022 Risk Basics - Anesthesiology

SVMIC Risk Basics: Anesthesiology

Your medical history and exam should pay special attention to

pre-op tests ordered and the results. There should be a
tracking system to ensure pre-op tests ordered are recognized

and reviewed as they may have implications on whether a

medical clearance consult is needed or whether a change in
the anesthesia plan is prudent. Look for and document any

significant comorbidities or history that can increase the risk of
difficult intubation or emergence such as Obstructive Sleep

Apnea, chronic narcotic use, etc. Be aware of the ASA difficult

airway algorithm, and in your evaluation of the airway, include
the classification. Careful triage based on a patient’s history

can help avoid unnecessary assessment of low-risk patients
and ensure that necessary assessments for higher-risk

patients are completed before the day of surgery.

Document the details of the dental examination, and note if
everything is intact. If there are loose teeth or caps, note such

by location. Dental claims (which will be discussed in a

separate section later in this course) are not high dollar, but
they are more frequent and can cause significant defense

expense. Often, anesthesia groups elect to pay the expenses

related to dental claims directly rather than submitting them to
their insurance carrier.

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