My Doctor is Charging Me for Anesthesia Separately for Two Areas of Liposuction. Is This Normal?

The cost of the anesthesiologist is typically based upon operative time.  The more areas that are liposuctioned, the longer the surgery, the more anesthesia neeeded, and therefore a higher anesthesia cost.  So, in short, what you are describing sounds reasonable.

My anesthesia providers determine their fees based on time. Therefore, an additional area of liposuction would take additional time, and would therefore incur additional expense.  However, other practices probably determine anesthesia fees differently.  It is probably best to just look at the total cost when comparing quotes as long as the same items are included (ie: surgeon's fee, facility fee, anesthesia fee etc.) 

My anesthesiologist charges based on the length of the procedure, regardless of how many areas are being liposuctioned.  I have never heard of an anesthesiologist charging by the area.  It is possible that your surgeon has broken out the billing so you will know what the charges will be should you decide to go forward with only one area of liposuction.

The cost for liposuction varies from city to city and doctor to doctor.  Make sure you have the "total" fee quoted to you before the procedure.  It really makes no difference how the fee is broke down, just the total fee, which should include; surgeon's fee, anesthesia fee, facility fee, drugs, garments, post op care, bandages, etc.  Typically there is only one anesthesia fee, but that fee would increase if more surgery (longer time in the operating room) is performed.

It will depend on how the physician and anesthesiologist bill for the time. Some doctors will roll all the fees into one lump cost while others will break it down into many different parts so a patient can see where their money is going.  Ultimately the total cost is what you should look at and make sure it is comparable to others in your area doing the same procedure.Hope this helps!