Dr. Andrew Wei – Anesthesiologist | Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC

As a skilled Anesthesiologist, Dr. Andrew Wei plays a crucial role in patient safety and comfort during the perioperative period. Practicing primarily at facilities in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC, he contributes to the surgical and procedural teams by providing comprehensive care in Anesthesiology. His practice is aligned with the standards set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ), ensuring adherence to rigorous professional and safety guidelines. Dr. Wei's focus is on delivering safe, effective, and patient-centered anesthetic management tailored to individual needs.

Dr. Wei graduated with a Medical Degree in 2018 and completed extensive post-graduate medical training in Anesthesiology. He holds specialty certification in Anesthesiology issued on July 1, 2018, by the relevant certifying bodies, demonstrating his expertise and commitment to excellence in the field. His training included advanced clinical rotations, procedural skills development, and comprehensive patient safety protocols.

His clinical philosophy is rooted in evidence-based practices and continuous quality improvement. Dr. Wei is dedicated to ensuring patient safety and comfort, utilizing the latest monitoring technologies and anesthesia techniques. He is fluent in French, facilitating effective communication with diverse patient populations in Salaberry-de-Valleyfield and surrounding areas. His commitment is to uphold the highest standards of care, prioritizing patient well-being and informed decision-making.

• Procedural Sedation (Outside OR): Administering sedation and monitoring for procedures performed outside the main operating rooms, such as in endoscopy suites or radiology.
• Anesthesia for Outpatient/Ambulatory Surgery: Providing safe and effective anesthesia tailored for procedures where patients are expected to go home the same day.
• Fluid and Blood Product Management: Administering intravenous fluids and blood products as needed during procedures to maintain hemodynamic stability.
• Intraoperative Monitoring: Continuous monitoring of vital signs (heart rate, blood pressure, oxygen levels, breathing) and anesthetic depth throughout the procedure to ensure patient safety.
• Regional Anesthesia Techniques: Numbing specific body regions using targeted nerve blocks (e.g., spinal, epidural, peripheral nerve blocks) for surgery or pain control, potentially allowing the patient to remain awake or sedated.

Note: This list outlines typical areas of anesthetic practice. The specific anesthetic plan for your procedure will be determined by Dr. Wei (or an associate) in consultation with you and your surgeon/proceduralist based on your health and the requirements of the procedure. Subspecialty services like chronic pain management may require a separate referral pathway.

All medical services are provided in accordance with the standards of practice set by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ).

Dr. Wei primarily practices at the Hôpital du Suroît, located near the central Salaberry-de-Valleyfield neighborhood. The hospital is conveniently accessible via local public transit, making it easy for patients to reach for their scheduled procedures. The area surrounding the hospital features points of interest such as parks, community centers, and local businesses. The facility is wheelchair accessible. Parking is available at the facility.

How is payment handled for anesthesia care with Dr. Wei? Is it covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ)?

In QC, medically necessary anesthesia services provided by specialists like Dr. Wei during provincially insured surgical or medical procedures are typically covered by Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ). Pre-anesthetic consultations related to these procedures are also usually covered. Fees for specific uninsured services (e.g., certain non-medically required procedures, form completion) may apply based on provincial guidelines. Please confirm coverage with Régie de l'assurance maladie du Québec (RAMQ) for specific circumstances.

Can I directly request Dr. Wei for my anesthesia?

While you can discuss preferences with your surgeon, the assignment of an Anesthesiologist is typically managed by the hospital's anesthesia department or the surgical group based on scheduling, expertise required, and availability. Your surgeon arranges the necessary anesthesia care, which includes consultation with an anesthesiologist like Dr. Wei from the team covering your procedure.

Is it possible to wake up during general anesthesia?

Awareness under general anesthesia is extremely rare with modern techniques and monitoring used by Anesthesiologists like Dr. Wei. Specialized monitors help track the depth of anesthesia, and drug doses are carefully adjusted throughout the procedure to ensure you remain safely unconscious and unaware.

What are the main types of anesthesia you might use?

Dr. Wei selects the safest and most appropriate anesthetic based on your health and the procedure. Options include:

• General Anesthesia: You'll be completely unconscious and unaware.
• Regional Anesthesia: A specific body part is numbed (e.g., spinal/epidural for lower body, nerve block for arm/leg). You might be awake or sedated.
• Monitored Anesthesia Care (MAC)/Sedation: Medication helps you relax and feel drowsy, often used with local anesthetic by the surgeon.

The choice will be discussed with you beforehand.

Is anesthesia safe?

Modern anesthesia, administered by trained Anesthesiologists like Dr. Wei using advanced monitoring, is very safe for most patients. While all medical procedures have some risk, serious complications from anesthesia are rare. Your individual risk depends on your health, the type of surgery, and the type of anesthesia used. This will be carefully assessed and discussed with you before your procedure.

Hôpital du Suroit
150 rue Saint-Thomas
Salaberry-de-Valleyfield, QC J6T 6C1

Phone: (450) 371-9920

The facility is wheelchair accessible.

Dr. Wei is a licensed physician regulated by the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ) under the Medical Act in QC. Anesthesia services are typically arranged through the hospital or clinic where your procedure is scheduled.

Verify registration with the Collège des médecins du Québec (CMQ): https://www.cmq.org/en/directory/physicians?number=18396