Patient-Focused
Serving the Western New York community since 1990
The first privately owned multi-specialty surgery Center in Western New York
Accredited By
Accreditation Association for Ambulatory Health Care, Inc
Anesthesia Services at Buffalo Ambulatory Surgery Center
Buffalo Ambulatory Surgery Center partners with Great Lakes Anesthesiology to provide anesthesia services for our patients.
Great Lakes Anesthesiology is a Western New York anesthesiology group providing anesthesia care at healthcare facilities throughout the region. Their anesthesia team works closely with your surgeon and the Buffalo Ambulatory Surgery Center clinical team to help provide safe, comfortable care before, during and immediately following your procedure.
Your anesthesia provider will review your medical history, medications and previous experiences with anesthesia and will determine the anesthesia plan that is appropriate for your procedure and individual medical needs.
Meet the Anesthesia Services Leadership Team
Jerrold Lerman, BASc, MD, FRCPC, FANZAC
Chief of Anesthesia
Lori Baker
Chief CRNA
What to Expect
You will meet your anesthesia team on the day of your procedure. They will ask questions about your health, medications, allergies and any previous experiences you have had with anesthesia.
Please be sure to follow all preoperative instructions provided to you regarding eating, drinking and medications. These instructions are important for your safety and may vary depending upon your procedure, medical history and medications.
If you have questions about a medication or whether it should be taken or held before surgery, please follow the specific instructions provided by your surgeon and anesthesia team.
Frequently Asked Questions
Why can’t I eat or drink before my procedure?
Fasting before anesthesia is an important safety precaution. Food or liquid remaining in the stomach can increase the risk of stomach contents entering the lungs while you are under anesthesia. Not following your fasting instructions could result in your procedure being delayed or canceled.
Can I take my medications on the day of surgery?
Many medications may be taken before surgery, while others may need to be temporarily held or adjusted. This can be especially important for blood thinners, certain blood pressure medications, diabetes medications, GLP-1 medications used for diabetes or weight management, and other medications that may affect anesthesia or your procedure.
Please follow the medication instructions provided specifically for you. If you are unsure about a medication, contact your physician or anesthesia team before your procedure.
What is an anesthesiologist?
An anesthesiologist is a physician who specializes in anesthesia and perioperative care. Anesthesiologists complete medical school followed by additional years of specialized training in anesthesia. Some also complete advanced fellowship training in areas such as pediatric, cardiac, regional or pain medicine.
Who will provide my anesthesia care?
Great Lakes Anesthesiology utilizes an Anesthesia Care Team model that may include anesthesiologists and Certified Registered Nurse Anesthetists (CRNAs).
The anesthesia team evaluates you before your procedure, develops your anesthesia plan, monitors and manages your anesthesia during the procedure, and provides care during your initial recovery from anesthesia.
What if I have questions about anesthesia before my procedure?
Most patients will have an opportunity to discuss their questions and concerns with the anesthesia team on the day of surgery. Patients with certain medical conditions may require additional evaluation before their procedure.
If you have a specific anesthesia concern before your scheduled procedure, please contact Great Lakes Anesthesiology or Buffalo Ambulatory Surgery Center for guidance.
Important Information About Anesthesia Billing
Anesthesia services are billed separately from Buffalo Ambulatory Surgery Center services and your surgeon’s services.
Great Lakes Anesthesiology is an independent anesthesia provider. If anesthesia is provided during your procedure at BASC, you may receive a separate bill from Great Lakes Anesthesiology for those professional anesthesia services.
Your anesthesia charges are not included in your Buffalo Ambulatory Surgery Center facility bill.
The amount you are responsible for will depend upon your insurance coverage, benefits and the anesthesia services provided. Great Lakes Anesthesiology can provide an estimated amount for anesthesia services upon request. Actual charges may differ if, for example, your procedure takes longer than anticipated or additional anesthesia services are required.
For questions regarding anesthesia billing, insurance participation, or your financial responsibility, please contact:
Great Lakes Anesthesiology Billing Office
Phone: (716) 323-6580
Hours: Monday–Friday, 8:00 a.m.–4:00 p.m.
Learn More About Great Lakes Anesthesiology
Great Lakes Anesthesiology provides additional patient information regarding anesthesia, preparing for surgery, medications, insurance, billing, and frequently asked questions on its Patient Resources page.