Pre-conditions for Anaesthesia
When you are due for an operation you will receive an information leaflet either from your surgeon or from the hospital. There will also be included an anaesthesia form to complete for administrative purposes. There are four sections:
 
SECTION A: Agreement between anaesthesiologist and patient.

Nothing should be taken per mouth for 6 hours prior to anaesthesia.

Do not drive a vehicle or operate any dangerous equipment for 24 hours after anaesthesia.


PAYMENT:

MEDICAL ACCOUNTS ARE CHANGING

INFORMATION FOR PATIENTS

From 2004 there is no recommended or fixed tariff for medical services. To comply with the law of the country, there is no medical aid rate or "contracted in" fee, neither is there a " contracted out" or SA Medical Association rate.

This means that doctors would be allowed to charge whatever professional fee they can justify. Every medical scheme, on the other hand, will determine the level of benefits they are prepared to pay.

There is a so called " National Reference Price list" compiled by associates of the Department of Health. This is a reference list only and no doctor or medical aid is under obligation to comply with this. We have been advised by the SA Medical Association that accounts rendered according to this list, do not compensate doctors adequately.

This means that patients are responsible for paying their own accounts or at least expect an extra payment over and above the amount that the medical aid may agree to pay.

Rates and perceptions are changing rapidly and this is and attempt to keep you informed.

What has not changed is our commitment to render a quality health care service.

Please discuss your concerns with us.



SECTION B: Medical history of patient.
  • Supply the following information:


  • Previous anaesthetics (if so, when)


  • Problems with Any family member with anaesthetic problems (details)


  • Allergy/unusual reaction to medicines (which)


  • Are you taking any medication/pills (names)


  • Cortisone treatment in the past 12 months


  • Heart disease (eg. chest pain, heart attack, rheumatic fever)


  • High blood pressure


  • Recent cold, cough or flu


  • Diabetes or thyroid problems


  • Jaundice or hepatitis (if so, when)


  • Kidney or bladder disease


  • Muscle weakness or stroke


  • Tendency to bleed or bruise


  • Previous thrombosis/embolism (legs/lungs)


  • Epileptic convulsions or blackout of any sort


  • Porphyria, malignant hyperthermia or scoline apnoea


  • False, loose or crowned teeth (if so, where)


  • Are you pregnant (if so, how long)


  • Do you smoke (if so, how many per day)


  • Alcohol consumption


  • Are you using drugs (which)


  • When did you last eat and/or drink (see 1 section A)


  • Weight


  • Height


  • Is there anything else your anaesthesiologist should know


SECTION C: Patient information:
Supply the following information:
First names, surname and date of birth


SECTION D: Information regarding person liable for payment of account:
  • Medical aid fund, option and membership number


  • Authorization number


  • Language - Afr./Eng.


  • Title - Prof. Dr. Mr. Mrs. Miss.


  • Postal address


  • I.D. number


  • Telephone numbers - cell, work, home, fax


  • Physical addressv
  • Employer and work address


  • Name and number of relative/friend


  • I.O.D. (injury on duty)


  • Claim number, date of injury and employer registration number