Surgical Information »PreOperative Exam

What is a Preoperative Exam?

A preoperative exam is a complete physical examination which specifically focuses on the systems in your body that can be negatively affected by anesthesia or surgery.
Preoperative exams provide us with valuable information that helps us to determine which patients may need extra monitoring during their procedures.

Who needs a Preoperative Exam?

We recommend that anyone over the age of 50 who has not had a physical exam within one year be seen by their regular physician prior to surgery. We also recommend preoperative clearance for anyone who has a health condition such as high blood pressure, diabetes, hyperthyroidism, asthma, or seizures. All smokers should obtain clearance as well.

What happens if I am not cleared?

If your preoperative exam physician identifies a problem, surgery may be delayed. However, most of our patients need only to have medication adjusted or additional testing before their surgery can be performed.

When can my surgery be scheduled?

As soon as a preoperative clearance form is received, we can proceed with scheduling. Sometimes a primary care physician may need 1-2 days after your visit to fax the necessary form back. Please ask your pre-op physician to let you know when they have sent us your forms. Our surgery scheduler will contact you on the same day they are received.