In response to public outcry, Anthem Blue Cross Blue Shield declared on December 5 that it had reversed its plans to impose time limits on health insurance payments for anesthesia care in certain states. This brief controversy highlighted a frequently overlooked yet crucial aspect of surgical care. According to Amy Vinson, a pediatric anesthesiologist and well-being expert at Boston Children's Hospital, anesthesiologists do more than just administer anesthesia. They also monitor vital signs and pain levels before, during, and after surgery. In the event of a crisis, such as a sudden drop in blood pressure or excessive bleeding, anesthesiologists provide essential fluids and medications.
Vinson emphasizes that anesthesiologists are the constant presence with the patient from the start of pre-op until the end in the recovery room. Their continuous presence means they often serve as the patient's primary support person. Alopi Patel, an anesthesiologist and pain physician at RWJ Barnabas Health in New Brunswick, N.J., warns that time limits on anesthesiologists could lead to rushed procedures, potentially compromising patient safety. Patel notes that various factors, from individual patient physiology to unexpected incidents in the operating room, can affect the duration of surgery.
Vinson and Patel spoke with Science News to clarify the role of anesthesiologists, a field that even many doctors do not fully understand. Vinson explains that anesthesiologists manage patients' pain and sedation before, during, and after surgery. They administer medications, fluids, and blood, taking over the patient's entire physiology. Patel shares a personal anecdote about a patient who needed emergency surgery due to a blood clot in her lungs. Patel's calming presence and personalized care helped the patient through a frightening experience.
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