What is an Anesthesiologist?
Today’s Anesthesiologists are physicians who, after college, have graduated from an accredited medical school and successfully completed at least four more years of training, including an internship and residency in anesthesiology.
Anesthesiologists have advanced understanding of cardiology, pulmonary medicine, critical care, general medicine and general surgery.
This training helps Anesthesiologists make informed medical decisions while in the operating room.
During surgery, your anesthesia provider is continuously present to monitor vital functions such as the patients’ heart rate, blood pressure and breathing, and also to provide relief from surgical pain and stress.
Anesthesiologists also provide management to mothers and babies during childbirth and manage critical care patients. Additionally, Anesthesiologists manage patients with acute or chronic pain.
What is A CRNA?
A Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist (CRNA) has an advanced clinical anesthesia nursing degree in addition to being a Registered Nurse (RN). Upon graduation, the nurse must pass a national certification exam to become a CRNA. An anesthesia care team often consists of an Anesthesiologist working together with a CRNA.
Will I receive a bill from the Anesthesiologists?
Yes, since the anesthesiologists are a physician specialist like your surgeon or radiologist, for example, you will receive a separate bill for his or her services. Payment to Team Health® Anesthesia for these services should be covered by your insurer. In some cases the check from your insurer for payment of our services may be sent directly to you. If you receive payment for our services from your insurance company please call our billing office at 800-856-3617 and they will instruct you on how to send this payment to us.
In addition, we want you to be aware of a North Carolina General Statute that prohibits insurance companies from subjecting their insured patients to out-of-network benefit levels, or penalties, when they receive covered services from our anesthesiologists. In an effort to ensure your protection under the statute, if we receive an incorrect payment from your insurance company, we will contact you again by mail or by telephone and advise you on how to appeal to your insurance company for correct handling of your claim.