Vanderbilt Anesthesiololgy

The Vanderbilt Department of Anesthesiology is a leader in preoperative assessment practices. This includes VPEC, the Vanderbilt Preoperative Evaluation Center. The VPEC consultation was established as a free service for Vanderbilt patients scheduled for surgery to ensure their safety and prevent surgical delays and cancellations. At right, click on the VPEC brochure image to download a brochure about the center (PDF format).

VPEC is open Monday-Friday, from 8-5 p.m. Patients are evaluated by a Nurse Practitioner with a comprehensive medical history and physical, and essential diagnostic tests are performed. Patients are generally evaluated within 30 days of their surgery and are referred for further medical optimization, if deemed necessary, by an attending anesthesiologist. Evidence-based clinic protocols and algorithms are used to determine what testing is necessary for each patient.

VPEC utilizes VPIMS to perform the history and physical on the patient. Once the report is complete, it becomes part of the patient’s electronic medical record and is viewable by any Vanderbilt provider with Internet access. VPEC has grown rapidly since its inception in 1996. Its main campus location currently has 10 exam rooms and is adjacent to outpatient lab and radiology on the 1st floor of the TVC.

VPEC also has a second location conveniently located for patients at the Vanderbilt Health One Hundred Oaks campus. This location has seven exam rooms and is also adjacent to outpatient lab and radiology services.

VPEC was included in the February 2007 Hanover Research Council Report on Preoperative Assessment Practices. VPEC also received the 2009 Top Performer Award; given by Professional Research Consultants, Inc. The Top Performer Award is given annually to each health care facility, provider, outpatient service line or inpatient unit that scores in the 100th percentile for the Overall Quality of Care percent “Excellent” score in their national client database for the previous calendar year. VPEC is also frequently consulted by other hospitals wanting to improve their preoperative processes. Medical co-directors are Dr. Susan Calderwood & Dr. Annemarie Thompson. Clinic manager is Russell J. Kunic, FNP-BC.