Patient Information

What to Expect with Outpatient Anesthesia

If Capitol Anesthesiology has been assigned to provide your anesthesia, you do not need to contact us separately to schedule. Our team coordinates directly with your surgery center, and everything is already arranged on your behalf. If you have questions before your procedure, we are happy to help. Call us at (770) 968-9978. The following information is provided to help you understand what outpatient anesthesia involves and how to prepare for your procedure.

What is Ambulatory Outpatient Anesthesia?

Ambulatory outpatient anesthesia means that your procedure is performed at a surgery center or outpatient facility, and you return home the same day. This approach is safe and appropriate for a wide range of surgical procedures, and it offers patients the comfort of recovering at home rather than spending the night in a hospital.


Your anesthesia care will be overseen by a board-certified physician anesthesiologist. Depending on your case, your anesthesiologist may personally administer your anesthesia or may medically direct a CRNA or CAA who is with you throughout your procedure.

Who Will Be Taking Care of Me?

Whichever members of our team are with you on the day of your procedure, a physician anesthesiologist is medically responsible for your anesthesia care.


Capitol Anesthesiology uses the Anesthesia Care Team model, which means your care is always physician-led. Our team includes:

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Physician Anesthesiologists (MDs)

Board-certified specialists who lead your anesthesia plan and are responsible for your care throughout the procedure

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CRNAs (Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists)

Advanced practice clinicians who work under physician medical direction

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CAAs (Certified Anesthesiologist Assistants)

Master's-level clinicians trained in anesthesia who also work under physician supervision

Your surgery center will provide you with specific pre-operative instructions, including fasting guidelines (nothing to eat or drink before surgery), medication instructions, and what to bring on the day of your procedure. It is important to follow these instructions carefully, as they are designed to keep you safe.


The American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) offers helpful, physician-reviewed patient preparation resources at asahq.org. The ASA's patient guide covers topics including fasting, what to tell your anesthesiologist, and what to expect during and after your procedure.

Your anesthesiologist will determine the most appropriate type of anesthesia for your procedure and your individual health situation. The most common types used in outpatient surgery include:


  • General anesthesia: You are fully asleep and unaware during the procedure


  • Regional anesthesia: A nerve block or spinal technique numbs a specific part of your body while you remain awake or lightly sedated


  • Monitored anesthesia care (MAC): A lighter level of sedation combined with local anesthesia, often used for shorter or less invasive procedures

What Should I Expect After My Procedure?

After your procedure, you will spend time in the recovery area at the surgery center while the effects of anesthesia wear off. Staff will monitor your vital signs and comfort level before you are cleared for discharge. Because you will not be able to drive after receiving anesthesia, you will need a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you for the remainder of the day.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Do I need to contact Capitol Anesthesiology separately to schedule?

    No. Our team coordinates directly with your surgery center. If Capitol Anesthesiology has been assigned to your case, everything is already arranged. Call us at (770) 968-9978 if you have specific questions.

  • Can I request a specific anesthesiologist?

    We understand that patients sometimes prefer continuity of care. Please speak with your surgery center if you have a preference, and we will do our best to accommodate requests when scheduling allows.

  • What is a CAA, and how are they different from a CRNA?

    Both CAAs and CRNAs are highly trained anesthesia clinicians who work under the medical direction of a physician anesthesiologist. CAAs hold master's degrees from accredited anesthesiologist assistant programs and are trained specifically to work within the physician-directed Anesthesia Care Team model. CRNAs are advanced practice registered nurses with specialized anesthesia training. Georgia is a full-practice state for both CRNAs and CAAs, and both are core members of our care team.

  • What if I have had a bad reaction to anesthesia in the past?

    Please let your surgery center know about any prior anesthesia reactions or concerns when you complete your pre-operative paperwork. This information will be shared with your anesthesiologist, who will factor it into your anesthesia plan.

  • How long will the effects of anesthesia last?

    This depends on the type of anesthesia used and your individual response. Most patients feel clearheaded within a few hours of a short outpatient procedure, but some grogginess or fatigue is normal for the rest of the day. Plan to rest at home and avoid driving, operating machinery, or making important decisions for at least 24 hours after receiving anesthesia.


    For more information on anesthesia safety, visit the American Society of Anesthesiologists at asahq.org.

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