Frequently Asked Questions

Seeing as your Anaesthesiologist is an independent specialist their account does not form part of the surgical or hospital account.

Anaesthesia cost estimates assumes average surgical time and complexity. The final cost, inclusive of 15% of VAT, may exceed or be lower than the estimated cost dues to complications or unforeseen circumstances.

Each individual associate of Kimberley Anaesthesia Association may be contracted to certain medical schemes at their own discretion. Medical schemes offer cover at different rates depending on different plan types and options. If your medical scheme and the anaesthetist do not have a contract or agreement in place, the anaesthetist may charge higher tariffs than those covered by your scheme. You may have to make a co-payment according to the standard tariff policy of the association.

You could also have a copayment if the anesthetist is not a designated service provider (DSP) for your medical scheme. Please check this with your medical scheme beforehand. If you have a prescribed minimum benefit (PMB) condition, this is also not a guarantee of full payment and non PMB conditions may not be covered by your medical scheme.

Medical aids might dispute the validity of the codes used by the specialist. The association makes use of the Coding Guidelines published by the South African Society of Anaesthesiologists and Health Professionals Council of South Africa(HPCSA) when determining coding rules for the association which are assumed to be correct and ethical.

Not always, but often it is necessary for an Anaesthesiologist to bill a patient for Intensive Care Units. We are actively involved with peri-operative management of patients for a wide variety of reasons as we form a part of the multi-disciplinary medical team.

No operation is without risk, neither is Anaesthesia. This means that adverse events can occur while under anaesthesia. Anaesthesiologists have been trained to deal with any complications that might occur during that time. The patient will be billed for any expertise applied to perform a specific procedure when and/or if necessary.

No food or liquids (excluding clear fluids) may be taken by mouth for at least six (6) hours before the anaesthesia. This precautionary measure intends to prevent pulmonary aspiration of stomach contents during general anaesthesia.

Certain medications might have contra-indications or an adverse effect when taken alongside Anaesthesia medication. Should the Anaesthesiologist be unaware of specific medications taken by the patient the doctor cannot prepare accordingly.

It is against the law to drive a vehicle or operate heavy machinery for a minimum of 24 – hours after an anaesthetic. Ensure that you arrange for someone to drive you home after your procedure.