Procedure FAQs
Read below to learn important information for before and after your procedure, including diet, medications, and post-op care.
Insurance Question?
If you have a question about your anesthesia benefits or out-of-pocket responsibility prior to surgery, please call 833.243.4293.
Billing Help?
Head over to this page. Or, if you need to talk to someone, our team is here to help. Just give us a call at 855.457.9900.
YOUR PROCEDURE
Patient Overview
Patient Opt-in & Completion of Medical History on AAC’s Patient Portal
When: Prior to the appointment once it is scheduled with AAC
- You will receive a text message from AAC notifying you that we will be assisting your child’s surgeon or proceduralist for their upcoming visit, along with a link to complete your child’s medical history via AAC’s secure patient portal.
- Once the medical history is completed, you will receive an email with pre- and post-anesthesia instructions for your child.
- If additional information is needed, one of our pre-op nurses may contact you to gather further details.
- Please be sure to follow all pre-op instructions provided for your child.
Arrival at the Surgeon/Proceduralist’s Office
When: 60 minutes before the procedure, or as indicated by your child’s surgeon/proceduralist’s office
- Arrive at the office to check in for your child’s procedure.
- Your child will be brought into the pre-op area and may be asked to change into a gown if indicated.
- The AAC nurse or anesthesia provider will review your child’s medical history, allergies, and current medications, and go over anesthesia discharge instructions.
- The AAC team will confirm that a responsible adult is present to accompany your child home after the procedure.
- Your child’s vital signs will be taken and an IV line will be started for medication administration.
- You will meet the anesthesia provider, who will explain the anesthesia plan and answer any questions you may have before obtaining your consent for anesthesia.
When: Just before the procedure
- Your child will be brought to the procedure suite.
- Monitoring equipment including ECG leads, pulse oximeter, oxygen, and a blood pressure cuff will be placed to monitor your child throughout the procedure.
- Anesthesia will be administered through your child’s IV, and they will fall asleep quickly.
- Your child’s heart rate, oxygen levels, blood pressure, and breathing will be continuously monitored by AAC’s anesthesia provider during the procedure.
- Procedure duration varies depending on the type, with most procedures lasting between 30–60 minutes.
Recovery Phase
When: 30–60 minutes after the procedure
- Your child will be brought to the recovery area, where an AAC nurse or clinical support team will care for them as they gradually wake up from anesthesia.
- The AAC team will monitor your child until they meet specific discharge criteria, such as stable vital signs, ability to walk with assistance, and minimal nausea.
- The surgeon or proceduralist’s team will provide any procedure-specific discharge instructions for your child.
- Your child will be discharged with the adult who accompanied them to the procedure.
Home Care
- Your child should rest and avoid strenuous activity for the remainder of the day.
Follow-Up
When: 1 day after the procedure
- You will receive a text message from AAC to check on your child’s recovery. Please let us know if you have any anesthesia-related questions or concerns at that time.
- Follow up with your child’s surgeon or proceduralist as directed.
Patient info
Pediatric Pre-Operative Guidelines
When: Prior to the appointment requiring anesthesia services
- Your child has been scheduled for a procedure requiring anesthesia services.
- An anesthesia nurse may contact you before the procedure to review your child’s health history, provide additional instructions, and answer any questions.
Diet Instructions
When: Starting the night before the procedure
- Do not allow your child to eat after midnight unless otherwise instructed. This includes gum, candy, and cough drops.
- Your child may have 4 ounces of clear liquids 4 hours before their appointment time.
- Clear liquids include water, clear broth, apple juice, and popsicles (without fruit).
- Examples of 4 ounces: half a cup (8 tablespoons) or a small juice box.
- Your child may brush their teeth the morning of the procedure.
Medications
- Important medications (seizure, cardiac, allergy, asthma) may be taken 2 hours prior with a small sip of water.
- If your child uses a rescue inhaler, it may be taken in the morning as prescribed. Please bring the inhaler to the appointment.
- Dress your child in loose, comfortable clothing and bring a change of clothes.
- We will place monitors and IV lines on arms or feet, so avoid restrictive clothing.
- If your child is not fully potty-trained, have them wear a pull-up and bring an extra one.
- If your child wears contacts, have them wear glasses instead and bring a glasses case.
Other Helpful Tips
- Bring a blanket and a stuffed animal to help your child feel secure.
Reasons for Postponement or Cancellation
- Acute illness (cold, flu, fever, respiratory illness).
- Noncompliance with diet instructions, which may increase risk for complications.
- Medical conditions requiring further evaluation or pending test results.
Parent Responsibilities
- You must be present with your child and stay for the entire procedure.
- You will be asked to sign a consent form before the procedure begins.
- If possible, bring another adult to help during the ride home, as your child may be groggy or confused.
Questions
- If you have questions about these instructions, call our office at 773-756-5808 (Mon–Fri, 6am–2pm PST).
- For insurance questions, email the billing department at billingpnw@aac-md.com.
Patient’s Rights
As a patient, your child has certain rights and responsibilities. You can expect your child to be treated with respect and to have differences in cultural and educational background respected, without consideration of race, sex, religion, national origin, age or disability status or the source of payment for your care. As a patient, your child has the right to privacy. Patients have a right to know what role any observer plays in their care, and the right to request that any outsiders leave the room.
Notice of Privacy Practices
Your Information. Your Rights. Our Responsibilities.
This notice describes how medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information.