Skip to content

American Society of Anesthesiologists | Made for This Moment

  • Anesthesia 101
    • Anesthesia 101 Overview
    • Types of Anesthesia
    • Effects of Anesthesia
    • Anesthesia Risks
    • Anesthesia Care Team
    • Role of Anesthesiologist
  • Pain Management
    • Pain Management Overview
    • Types of Pain
    • Non-Opioid Treatment
    • Opioid Treatment
  • Preparing for Surgery
    • Preparing for Surgery Overview
    • Risks
    • Preparation
    • Recovery
    • Procedures
  • About
  • Policymakers
  • Health Care Executives
  • Media
  • ASA Members
  • Resources
Search Icon
Search Icon Search
  • Home
  • Preparing for Surgery
  • Preparation

Preparation

Learn the essential steps to take and the critical questions to ask your anesthesiologist before a surgery or procedure for you or your child.

Whatever type of surgery you’re having and wherever you have it, you will receive some type of anesthesia to keep you comfortable. Careful preparation for surgery and anesthesia helps ensure a successful procedure and smooth recovery.

How to Prepare

Learn the steps to take, whether the surgery is for you, a child, or other loved one, or in a hospital, outpatient facility, or doctor’s office.

Preparing for Surgery: Checklist

Talking to your anesthesiologist, knowing what to expect and taking these important steps can help you feel more mentally prepared and heal faster.

Preparing for Surgery: Kids’ Checklist

Knowing what to ask your child’s physician and anesthesiologist, as well as what to say to your child, will make you more confident and relaxed when your child is the patient.

Insurance Coverage for Anesthesia Care

How health insurance companies pay for anesthesia care impacts how much you have to pay. Learn how insurance coverage for anesthesia care works and how to avoid unexpected costs.

  • Anesthesia 101
    • Types of Anesthesia
    • Effects of Anesthesia
    • Anesthesia Risks
    • Anesthesia Care Team
    • Role of Anesthesiologist
  • Pain Management
    • Types of Pain
    • Non-Opioid Treatment
    • Opioid Treatment
  • Preparing for Surgery
    • Risks
    • Preparation
    • Recovery
    • Procedures
  • Stories
  • About
  • Policymakers
  • Health Care Executives
  • Media
  • ASA Members
  • Resources

Connect with ASA:

© 2026 American Society of Anesthesiologists. All rights reserved.