Frequently Asked Questions
Q: How do I pay my anesthesia bill?
A: You will receive a statement in the mail for anesthesia services you received. MAC currently provides 2 methods for paying your bill. You may pay your bill by phone or by mail. We will have an online bill pay method available soon. For more questions regarding billing click here.
Q: What is the difference between an anesthesiologist and a CRNA?
A: An anesthesiologist is a licensed medical doctor (M.D. or D.O.). Anesthesiologists are responsible for the safety and care of patients before, during and after surgery. As a member of the Anesthesia Care Team, an anesthesiologist is primarily responsible for directing the management of the patient and choosing the most appropriate anesthetic for the procedure. To become an anesthesiologist, one must complete 4 years of undergraduate pre-med classes followed by 4 years of medical school. After medical school, the physician must then graduate from an accredited 4 year anesthesiology residency training program to specialize in anesthesiology. Some anesthesiologists also choose to spend one or two more years after residency in one of several anesthesiology sub-specialty training fellowships. Completion of these requirements grants eligibility to take the American Board of Anesthesiology (ABA) exam to become a board-certified anesthesiologist.
A CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetist), also commonly referred to as a nurse anesthetist, is an advanced practice nurse that has completed an accredited nurse anesthesia training program. They must pass the national certification examination to become a CRNA. CRNAs are highly qualified anesthesia providers with training in the safe administration of anesthetic drugs.
Q: What is an anesthesia care team?
A: The anesthesia care team is made up of highly trained professionals skilled in the safe delivery of anesthetic drugs designed to render a patient pain-free and unaware during surgical and non-surgical procedures. This team is comprised of anesthesiologists and CRNAs and may include anesthesiologist assistants (AAs) in some states.