Pre-operative testing and “clearance” for surgery:

In order to minimize risk of complications around surgery, some testing is often required prior to the date of surgery. This testing may identify a health hazard that requires attention before proceeding with surgery. Ultimately, the decision to proceed with surgery is based on expected risks and benefits and is made jointly by the patient, the anesthesiologist, and the surgeon. Selecting which specific tests should be performed before surgery is based on an individual’s risks, including known health problems and age, as well as the planned operation. Having a primary physician provide clearance before surgery can be a helpful perspective on one’s fitness to proceed surgically, and is often required for patients over the age of 40. A pre-operative evaluation may reveal a problem that can be optimized before surgery so that the surgical outcome is not impaired.

You will be notified regarding what testing or evaluation is necessary. The facility for your pre-op testing may be determined by you and/or your primary care physician. Be advised that if a consultation with another physician may affect how soon surgery may be performed, depending on how soon the consultation can be performed and whether that consultant requires additional testing.

Additionally, an evaluation by a provider within 30 days of surgery is needed. If your surgical date is greater than 30 days from the time you were last seen in our office, you will need a pre-operative history and physical by your primary physician.

Here are some common types of testing:

Blood testing: Certain medical conditions or use of certain medications indicates the need for blood testing preoperatively.

EKG: Heart conditions, high blood pressure, diabetes, or age greater than 60 indicate the need for EKG testing preoperatively.

Chest x-rays: Lung conditions may indicate the need for a chest x-ray preoperatively.