Longnecker's Anesthesiology > Part 2. Preparing for Anesthesia > Section B. Preoperative Evaluation of the Anesthesia Patient > Chapter 6. Appropriate and Effective Use of Consultants Lee Goldman, MD, and Thomas H. Lee, MD

Key Points

"1. The increasing prevalence of high-risk patients undergoing complex surgical procedures and the increasing pressures for improved efficiency and quality have created an increased need for effective and timely perioperative medical consultation.

2. Anesthesiologists and surgeons have a duty to recognize when consultations are needed, to notify the patient of the planned consultation, and to inform the patient of important consultation findings.

3. The questions to be answered by the consultant should be stated clearly.

4. The consultant should limit initial recommendations to those of high priority in the perioperative period.

5. Direct communication between the primary physician and the consultant can help to avoid misunderstandings and to clarify management goals.

6. In addition to estimating perioperative risk and developing appropriate initial management strategies, the consultant should follow the patient through the postoperative period.

7. The consultant should respect the primary physician's relationship with the patient.

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