Pre-surgical Medical ClearanceNew York, NY
Pre-surgical medical clearance is an exam that helps make sure a patient is ready for a healthy and effective surgery. Any surgery can come with inherent risks and complications, no matter how minor. These exams help doctors identify these possible risks and complications and how to manage them.
Dr. Marina Gafanovich offers pre-surgical clearance exams in her Upper East Side Manhattan office. Let us help you find peace of mind and prepare for a safe and healthy surgery. To learn more about a procedure or schedule an appointment, call 212-548-3263 today.
Pre-Surgical Medical Clearance
A pre-surgical medical clearance exam or pre-op checkup assesses a patient's fitness for surgery. Typically, the exam should take place within the month before surgery. This allows doctors to address any patient's medical problems before the procedure.
In addition to treating any medical conditions, pre-surgical medical clearance serves a few other key functions. For one, it gives the doctor a chance to identify potential complications or risks and advise on how to mitigate them. Also, the doctor can look into any factors that might lead to the delay of surgery. Often, a surgeon will have a specific question that needs answering, and this appointment is an opportunity to provide that. Finally, the doctor can advise the patient on pre- and post-operative precautions.
Who Should Seed Pre-Surgical Medical Clearance
Any patient undergoing significant surgery can benefit from this exam. This exam is necessary for both major and minor surgeries. However, there are certain individuals for whom this pre-op checkup is crucial.
The older a patient is, the more important this exam becomes. Advanced age places patients at increased risk for surgical morbidity. The doctor advises patients 55 and older to undergo thorough preoperative testing of the heart and lungs.
In fact, patients with certain health conditions are also at higher risk. Therefore, a pre-surgical medical clearance is often recommended for those with high blood pressure and heart disease. Those with diabetes, obesity, and other chronic conditions should have this pre-op checkup as well.
Benefits of Pre-Surgical Medical Clearance
Pre-surgical medical clearance offers benefits for the patient's health and pocketbook. Money can be saved with the potential prevention of prolonged hospital stays to deal with unforeseen complications. In addition to lowering healthcare costs for the patient, this also saves time by helping to prevent a prolonged recovery. For elderly patients or those with special medical concerns, these appointments can help save lives. Prior-surgical medical clearance can offer patients much-needed peace of mind before going into surgery.
What is Involved
The process varies depending on several factors. Among the most important of these factors are the patient's age, current health, and surgical history (including a history of complications). The doctor will go over with the patient any medications they are taking and how to deal with them before and after surgery. Any medical devices the patient has must also be considered. Patients should make their doctor aware of any allergies and recent infections.
The pre-surgical medical clearance is comprehensive, with particular attention paid to the area involved in the surgery. A patient's vital signs will be measured along with the patient's height and weight. The doctor will complete a physical exam. This exam will likely be followed by preoperative testing, which may include blood and urine tests, X-rays, or an Electrocardiogram (EKG).
Getting Ready for a Safe and Healthy Surgery
The pre-surgical medical clearance will give the patients a guide on specific things they can do to facilitate a safe and successful surgery. This can also be a time for the patient to learn what type of support they will need so they can make the necessary arrangements. In addition, the patient will receive instructions on how to be ready on the day of surgery.
Surgery can be anxiety-producing. Therefore, it helps for patients to take all the precautions they can to ease this anxiety. The Mayo Clinic makes the following recommendations for those going into surgery:
- Arrange support from family or friends during and after surgery
- Eat healthy foods and stay well-hydrated
- Get plenty of rest
- Reduce or quit smoking
- Take medications as directed
Schedule a Visit Today
Pre-surgical medical clearance exams are available at our Upper East Side Manhattan office. Dr. Marina Gafanovich and her team look forward to getting you ready for safe and successful surgery. Call our office at 212-548-3263 to learn more or schedule an appointment.
Frequently Asked Questions About Pre-surgical Medical Clearance
Q. What information do I need to bring to my pre-surgical clearance appointment?
A. In addition to your insurance info, be prepared to give detailed information on your medical history and current health. This includes prescriptions you are taking and any allergies you have, especially to medication. Also, make the doctor aware of any medical devices you have and be prepared to answer questions on past surgeries.
Q. How do I know if I need pre-surgical medical clearance?
A. Whether a person needs this exam depends on several factors. Your doctor or surgeon will probably let you know. However, the elderly and those with certain health conditions are likely to need one.
Q. Will insurance cover this appointment?
A. If recommended by your primary care provider, it is likely it will be covered. However, each person's insurance is different. We strongly recommend patients check directly with their insurance provider.
Q. When should I have a pre-surgical medical clearance exam?
A. The typical recommendation is to have this exam within the month before surgery. However, specific recommendations vary by patient. We typically recommend having the appointment around two to three weeks before surgery, as this gives our team enough time to make necessary accommodations.
Q. How much time should I allow for this appointment?
A. Appointment times depend on the patient's needs. However, we advise patients to allow about an hour to 90 minutes for this appointment. There may be specific tests such as X-rays that can add to the time needed.
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