The preoperative exam is the foundation of the relationship for every anesthesia provider, no matter the profession. The focused history and physical conducted prior to anestheisa not only includes a complete accounting of a patient's previous medical and surgical history, but also a review of all medications and allergies, current physical status, and reactions to anesthetics, as well as a review of diagnostics and consultations from other specialties. Lastly, in the brief time that anesthesia professionals and patients spent together, it's a time to establish trust in the brief amount of time before heading back for surgery.
