Anesthesiologist Assistant Services
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This DHA policy publication is part of the TRICARE Policy Manual and includes the anesthesia coverage section relevant to anesthesiologist assistant services. The available content in this window is limited to the manual table of contents and does not provide substantive provider requirements or coverage criteria.
No material clinical or coverage changes in this revision.
Anesthesiologist Assistant Coverage Criteria
Anesthesiologist supervision and responsibilities
Coverage of anesthesia services by an AA requires all of the following criteria to be met.
AA supervision and anesthesiologist responsibilities
- Required anesthesiologist activities: The anesthesiologist performs a pre-anesthetic examination and evaluation; prescribes the anesthesia plan; personally participates in the most demanding aspects of the plan, including induction and emergence if applicable; ensures that procedures not personally performed are performed by a qualified AA; monitors anesthesia administration at frequent intervals; remains physically present within the operating suite and available for immediate personal diagnosis and treatment of emergencies; provides indicated post-anesthesia care; and performs no other services while supervising no more than four AAs concurrently, or fewer if required by state law.No more than 4 AAs concurrently, or the lower state-law limit
The anesthesiologist need not be personally present for all services but must remain within the operating suite and available to provide immediate assistance.
AA licensure and educational qualifications
The AA must meet all applicable legal and educational qualifications.
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