Expert: Ronald Levy, M.D. - 11/27/2006

Question
Not a question, but additional information: the visit from the "in a hurry" doctor did take place on the morning of surgery. The operation took place about 60 minutes after I met the guy. And he was in the OR when I got there, so he at least had some role in my anesthesia, even if he was just supervising an anesthetist. I was glad to learn that he was probably an exception. You folks probably have no idea how important that interview is in easing a client's fears prior to surgery. Don't skimp on this visit.
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The text above is a follow-up to ...

-----Question-----
About 20 years ago, prior to my cholecystectomy (open), the
anesthesiologist interviewed me upon admission, going over the various types and routes of anesthesia and gave me the pros and cons of each. She then suggested one for me, and I accepted. I was pleased with the whole process and outcome.

Just 2 years ago I had knee surgery (meniscus), in the same hospital, but in their one-day surgery facility. This time the anesthesiologist popped in for about two minutes, met me, filled out some paperwork, then left. Nothing was said about any of the things I mentioned above in paragraph one.

Have things changed that much in anesthesiology practice,
that there really is no longer a meaningful interview? Or was this just one doctor's bedside manner? Or was he in a hurry? I can tell you I felt more at ease and confident in my anesthesiologist the first time than I did the second time. I did ok, but I still wonder why the big difference.

-----Answer-----
Unfortunately you came across an anesthesiologist who either was too busy or wasn't interested in meeting his patient. I like to think that this is the exception rather than the rule. If you can take anything positive from this, it's that you must be otherwise healthy, otherwise he would have had questions for you. It might also be that the anesthesiologist who saw you is not the one who will perform the actual anesthetic. The actual anesthesiologist should meet you the morning of surgery and go over all the things that this guy chose not to.

Good Luck,

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston

Answer
Not that it justifies anything but this guy will unfortunately learn that the #1 reason people sue their doctors (even in cases where there is no real malpractice) is lack of communication with the patient. People don't realize it but we are a service organization and relations with our "clients" is almost as important as the care we provide.

I'm sorry you saw the dark side of our profession.

Ronald Levy, MD
Associate Professor of Anesthesiology
UTMB-Galveston