Outpatients receive consultations during regular office hours. A preoperative screening clinic is directed by the Department of Anesthesiology for complete presurgical consultations and evaluation of patients scheduled for ambulatory surgery and day of surgery admissions. The patients are given the opportunity to discuss with the anesthesiologists the anesthetic plan and concerns regarding the upcoming procedure. Appointments are made through the Admitting Office.
Consultation is provided in the postoperative management of all cardiac surgical patients.
Transesophageal echocardiography is used on most patients and joint teaching rounds are conducted by Cardiology and Anesthesiology. Critical Care Medicine manages the care of patients who are critically ill as a result of medical or postoperative complications such as septic shock or who suffer from Adult Respiratory Distress Syndrome. Preadmission testing is encouraged. Appropriate monitoring is utilized for high-risk patients, and postoperative care, including intensive care, is available. Electrophysiologic monitoring with evoked potentials and computerized assisted EEG is available.