title: Preoperative Consultations.
abstract: Preoperative consultation is an important intervention that likely has most benefits for intermediate-risk to high-risk patients undergoing major surgery. Consultation rates are likely increasing and there is significant practice variation in the use of consultation. Consultations should be available within a well-organized and coordinated process of preoperative assessment. Preoperative consults should be accessible to anesthesia and surgical teams involved in the procedure and to the providers involved in postoperative care. The role of preoperative consultation should evolve as a rational approach and emerge as a value-based service. New payment methodologies are likely to facilitate appropriate use of this important resource.
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology & Pain Medicine, 325 Ninth Avenue, Box 359724, Seattle, WA 98104, USA. Electronic address: sthilen@yahoo.com.
authors.forename: Stephan R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Thilen
authors.affiliation: Li Ka Shing Knowledge Institute of St. Michael's Hospital, 30 Bond Street, Toronto, Ontario M5B 1W8, Canada; Department of Anesthesia, Toronto General Hospital, University of Toronto, Eaton Wing 3-450, 200 Elizabeth Street, Toronto, Ontario M5G 2C4, Canada.
authors.forename: Duminda N
authors.initials: DN
authors.lastname: Wijeysundera
authors.affiliation: Department of Anesthesiology and Perioperative Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road, Mail Code UHN-2, Portland, OR 97239, USA; Department of Public Health and Preventive Medicine, Oregon Health and Science University, 3181 Southwest Sam Jackson Park Road, Mail Code UHN-2, Portland, OR 97239, USA.
authors.forename: Miriam M
authors.initials: MM
authors.lastname: Treggiari
mesh_terms: D003695:Delivery of Health Care; D006801:Humans; D019990:Perioperative Care; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000379:methods*; D012017:Referral and Consultation; D013514:Surgical Procedures, Operative / Q000379:methods
keywords: Delivery of health care; Organization and administration; Perioperative care; Perioperative period; Physician’s practice pattern; Preoperative care; Preoperative period; Referral and consultation