Dr. Thomas J. Rick M.D., Anesthesiologist
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Dr. Thomas J. Rick M.D.

Anesthesiologist

4/5(8)
4441 East McDowell Road Suite 101 Phoenix Arizona, 85008
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Rating

4/5

About

Thomas J. Rick, MD, works at a private practice in Phoenix, Arizona. He specializes in the extension of anesthetic and pain management services to patients undergoing surgeries. When Dr. Rick is not at his practice, he can be found working at St. Joseph and Good Samaritan Hospitals.

Dr. Thomas J. Rick M.D.'s Videos

Education and Training

Hahnemann University

Board Certification

American Board of Anesthesiology- Anesthesiology

AnesthesiologyAmerican Board of AnesthesiologyABA

Provider Details

MaleEnglish 30 years of experience
Dr. Thomas J. Rick M.D.
Dr. Thomas J. Rick M.D.'s Expert Contributions
  • How long does urinary retention last after anesthesia?

    Interesting question. Answer is...well, it depends on one's sensitivity to narcotics on the vesciculo-urethral sphincter, the junction of the bladder with the urethra. Narcotics increase the tone of the sphincter there and cause urinary retention. If it persists past 10-12 hours, the patient will need catheterization in the bladder to relieve the urinary pressure. READ MORE

  • Is anesthesia given based on weight?

    Dosing and technique are based on weight, metabolism and tolerance to drugs READ MORE

  • What can go wrong with anesthesia?

    Malignant hyperthermia is a rare occurrence among genetically susceptible patients. It involves an irregularly in muscle contraction with extreme calcium release and increased metabolism with an increase in body temperature. Airway problems. Anesthetics create an unconscious state in which a patient is unable to protect one's airway. They generally knock out the drive to breathe and the ability to reflexively protect the aspiration of stomach contents. This is why a preoperative fast for > 8 hours is recommended. Aspiration pneumonia is always a risk. Additionally, chipped or broken teeth or dental work can occur from intubation with use of a laryngoscope. Allergic reaction. Patients can mount a histamine-related response to any anesthetic or other drugs such as perioperative antibiotics. Nerve/soft tissue compression. A patient under deep sedation or general anesthesia is not aware of sensation at critical pressure points, such as ulnar, tibial or femoral nerves and face and eyes. Nerve palsies or compression injuries can result. Regional anesthesia complications, although rare, include, but are not limited to bleeding, infection, allergy, nerve damage, seizures, swings in blood pressure, and cardiac arrest. In the qualified hands of an anesthesiologist, overall risks are minimal. READ MORE

  • What should you monitor during anesthesia?

    Standard ASA monitors include non-invasive BP, pulse oximetry, and ECG. C02 monitoring (capnography) is also recommended. READ MORE

  • Does alcohol affect local anesthetic?

    No READ MORE

  • Is it common to wake up during a colonoscopy?

    Over the past 5-10 years, the standard of care for colonoscopy has been the administration of propofol to achieve a state of deep sedation for the patient. However, the possibility of awareness still exists, especially in patients with high tolerance for sedatives, such as those who liberalize alcohol, narcotics and benzodiazepines. READ MORE

  • Do you talk during conscious sedation?

    The true essence of conscious sedation is that the patient is truly able to be verbal, yet mildly sedated. Unconscious sedation involves a deeper plane of consciousness when the patient is not verbal. READ MORE

  • Is dental anesthesia OK when pregnant?

    Ideally, local injection to block the dental nerve is ideal. Definitely avoid benzodiazepine meds in first trimester. READ MORE

  • Can you talk during conscious sedation?

    When you are literally referring to "conscious" sedation, the answer would be YES. If you are rousable and conscious, then you potentially could talk. Usually, during deeper sedation states, you would not be very talkative. READ MORE

  • How long does lidocaine last in finger?

    Less than one hour... READ MORE

  • What are the side effects of too much anesthesia?

    Significantly delayed emergence. Sustained drop in blood pressure, ventilation or oxygen saturation. Possibly prolonged state of confusion. READ MORE

  • What is the anesthetic spray used for?

    Cetacaine spray is often used to numb the back of the throat; for example, to facilitate an awake intubation. Another spray is ethyl chloride, which provides a topical "freeze" of the skin during, for example, an IV catheter placement. READ MORE

  • What anesthesia is used for childbirth?

    A normal vaginal delivery is commonly facilitated by epidural anesthesia. A Caesarian section delivery is usually carried out under an epidural or spinal block, or sometimes under general endotracheal anesthesia if emergent. READ MORE

  • How long does anesthesia affect your memory?

    General anesthesia does not usually affect the memory of a healthy 29-year-old. READ MORE

  • Does anesthesia cause dementia?

    ummm...no READ MORE

  • Is regional anesthesia the same as local?

    Not exactly. Local anesthetics (numbing medicine) is either injected around nerve bundles for a nerve block, injected into the subarachnoid space for a spinal block, or epidural space for an epidural block. These are considered regional anesthesia. Local anesthetics can also be infiltrated directly into the tissues. This is considered "local anesthesia". READ MORE

  • Is regional anesthesia safe?

    In general, regional anesthesia is very safe. If you are referring to obstetrical regional anesthesia, usually either an epidural or a spinal block is implemented. Aside from theoretical risks, if bleeding or infection, they are safe. READ MORE

  • How many hours can you be under anesthesia?

    I don't know of any maximum time limit to general anesthesia. READ MORE

  • What type of anesthesia is used for shoulder replacement?

    General anesthesia */- interscalene nerve block READ MORE

  • Can seniors have procedures done with local anesthesia?

    There is no age limit for local, general, or regional anesthesia. The most appropriate anesthetic should be administered based on the patient's comorbidities/health issues and the type of surgery. READ MORE

Professional Society Memberships

  • American Society of Anesthesiology, Arizona Society of Anesthesiology

What do you attribute your success to?

  • Availability, Affordability, Accessibility

Hobbies / Sports

  • Drums, Tennis, Fitness

Favorite professional publications

  • New England Journal of Medicine, Anesthesiology

Dr. Thomas J. Rick M.D.'s Practice location

4441 East McDowell Road Suite 101 -
Phoenix, Arizona 85008
Get Direction
New patients: 602-273-6901

4441 E MCDOWELL RD -
PHOENIX, AZ 85008
Get Direction
New patients: 602-273-6770
Fax: 602-889-0489

Dr. Thomas J. Rick M.D.'s reviews

(8)
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Patient Experience with Dr. Rick


4.0

Based on 8 reviews

Dr. Thomas J. Rick M.D. has a rating of 4 out of 5 stars based on the reviews from 8 patients. FindaTopDoc has aggregated the experiences from real patients to help give you more insights and information on how to choose the best Anesthesiologist in your area. These reviews do not reflect a providers level of clinical care, but are a compilation of quality indicators such as bedside manner, wait time, staff friendliness, ease of appointment, and knowledge of conditions and treatments.

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O.A.S.I.S. HOSPITALl

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O.A.S.I.S. HOSPITALl

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