What if there are issues or questions after the surgery that may be related to anesthesia?
You are welcome and encouraged to call with your concerns. You can reach the Ambulatory Surgery Center at 505-564-2300. If necessary, an anesthesiologist will be happy to meet with you and address any issues and work through those issues with you to completion.What about personal privacy?
FCA is committed to protecting your privacy. We comply with all HIPAA rules and regulations.What about blood and blood products?
Blood and blood products are at times life saving. We use them very judiciously because they too have a risk potential. Before your surgery, if there is an indication that blood or blood products may be necessary, we will discuss this with you, addressing any concerns you might have, along with your desires.I have heard that some people wake up during surgery.
Occasionally some individuals have experienced awareness (become aware of sounds or events) while in surgery. In some instances this is expected, particularly with sedation, neuraxial, or regional techniques where the patient is not totally anesthetized. However, it is extremely rare with general anesthesia. For this potential we employ multiple monitoring systems to help the anesthesia care provider know the depth of anesthesia you are in. The anesthesia care provider is monitoring you at all times.What about the cost and billing for anesthesia?
Because FCA is a professional entity separate and distinct from FCASC you will receive multiple bills for your surgical-anesthesia services, two of which will be:
1. The FACILITY Fee will be billed by the facility where services are rendered,
for the use of the operating room, anesthetic medications, supplies, and nursing
staff.
2. The ANESTHESIA Fee will be billed by FCA for services provided by our
anesthesia team during your surgery.
As a courtesy, Four Corners Anesthesia will bill your insurance. The “Assignment of Benefits” form you signed at the medical facility allows FCA to file with your insurance company and to receive direct payment from your insurance. You will be responsible for all coinsurance and /or deductible amounts determined by your insurance, including non-covered services by non participating insurance companies. Self pay balances are expected at the time of services unless other arrangements have been made. You will receive a monthly statement from FCA until your account is paid in full. Regardless of your insurance coverage or benefits, the patient or guarantor is responsible for payment of the account. If the account is placed in the hands of a third party for collection for nonpayment, the guarantor agrees to pay all costs of collection, including a reasonable attorney fee.
If payment is made by a third party, insurance, billing is done in compliance with the rules and regulations of the insurance company or government agency. Bills are submitted electronically to ensure timely and accurate submission. Four Corners Anesthesia, in order to keep costs down, does not use outside billing agencies. It does it’s own coding and billing. Our billing staff are kept up to date on the latest issues and regulations related to medical billing.