Abstract

The objectives of this study were to compare history and physical examinations (H&Ps) done by community-based physicians and dentist anesthesiologists for children undergoing general anesthesia for dental rehabilitation. One hundred sixty-eight records were evaluated from the Nationwide Children's Hospital Dental Surgery Center of patients anesthetized between June 2006 and March 2007. These patients had H&Ps completed by both a community-based physician and a dentist anesthesiologist prior to general anesthesia. H&P forms were reviewed by the 3 authors to identify missing data, American Society of Anesthesiologists (ASA) classification, and impact on care. There was a statistically significant difference with respect to 10 of 17 sections examined, with the community-based physicians' H&Ps tending to be incomplete more often. Over 20% of community-based physicians made no mention of the history of present illness. One third of all physician H&Ps were missing vital sign recordings. No significant difference was noted between the physicians' and dentist anesthesiologists' ratings of ASA status. The physician H&P altered course of anesthesia treatment in <1% of studied cases. Statistically significant deficiencies were noted in the physician H&P in 60% of categories.