The Preanesthesia Evaluation Service sees patients prior to surgery or procedures involving anesthesia care. The preanesthesia evaluation involves taking a patient history and performing a physical examination, and it may also include gathering results of tests and evaluations previously performed or coordinating additional tests or physician consultations as needed. The Preanesthesia Evaluation Service works with surgeons and primary care physicians to ensure that the appropriate information is available on the day of your procedure and that your medical issues are properly addressed. Although you may not meet your anesthesiologist for your procedure on the day you come to the Preanesthesia Evaluation Suite, your anesthesiologist will visit with you prior to your procedure and discuss your anesthesia care, and in the Preoperative Evaluation Suite information is available on the types of anesthesia, options for pain relief, and about risks involved in anesthesia.

Patients should be sure to allow sufficient time for this comprehensive visit, particularly if laboratory or radiology procedures, specialty consultations, or special financial services arrangements are necessary. 

It is our desire to make your experience with anesthesia as pleasant and as safe as possible. We have prepared this site to help you understand the nature of our services and to answer questions our patients often ask.

All anesthesia given by the UCLA Department of Anesthesiology is administered by or under the medical direction of our Anesthesiologists. (An Anesthesiologist is a medical doctor specially trained in the administration of anesthesia care.) If you have any questions about your anesthesia, you can speak with an Anesthesiologist at (310) 825-6761, during business hours. The information below may answer some of your questions.  

1.What are the types of anesthesia?

2. What are the risks of the different types of anesthesia?

3. What are the options for pain relief after surgery?

4. What else should I know about anesthesia?

The personnel providing your anesthesia are associated with the UCLA Department of Anesthesiology. You will receive a bill from UCLA Department of Anesthesiology for the services of these Anesthesiology specialists. This fee is based on several considerations such as the type of surgical procedure, the time required for your care, your health condition, and your age. This total charge includes preoperative evaluation, administration of your anesthesia, and management of your recovery room stay.

Your hospital bill will contain an item listed as "ANESTHESIA EQUIP. AND SUPPLIES". This represents charges for the hospital equipment and drugs used during your anesthesia. This is separate from the Anesthesiologist's fee.

Most health insurance plans will pay some or all of our fees. The UCLA Department of Anesthesiology are not necessarily contracted with the same insurance carriers as the Medical Center or hospital. Please note, we will file your insurance claims for you to assist you in any way possible, but we are not responsible for collecting from your insurance company. Payment is ultimately your responsibility.

If you have questions about our fees for professional services, please don't hesitate to call our Patient Service at
(310) 825-1391. We welcome the opportunity to assist you.