Pre-Operative Clearance

What is pre-operative clearance?

Pre-operative clearance is a medical exam that assesses your health before you have surgery. The purpose of the exam is to make sure it’s safe for you to have surgery so you get the best outcome possible.

Who needs pre-operative clearance?

Anyone undergoing a planned surgical procedure needs pre-operative clearance. This exam doesn’t determine whether you should or shouldn’t have surgery but aims to look for health issues that may affect the outcomes of your procedure. 

Finding health issues before surgery gives you and the team at Northeast Florida Internal Medicine time to correct them and help your surgeon make adjustments to the procedure.

The pre-operative clearance also helps the team identify medical issues that may affect your recovery. 

When should I schedule a pre-operative clearance exam?

You should schedule your pre-operative clearance exam within 30 days of your procedure. It’s important to schedule this exam so there’s enough time for the team at Northeast Florida Internal Medicine to correct any health issues before your surgery.

Scheduling your pre-operative clearance exam early also gives you time to see any specialists for additional tests, such as a cardiovascular or respiratory specialist. 

What happens during pre-operative clearance?

The pre-operative clearance exam at Northeast Florida Internal Medicine is a thorough health evaluation. The specifics of your exam may depend on the type of procedure you’re having and your medical history. However, the team wants to make sure you’re physically and mentally prepared for your surgery. 

Your provider at Northeast Florida Internal Medicine reviews your medical history and the types of medications you take. They also ask about your daily routine, diet, and exercise habits. They perform a physical exam and may run lab tests to look for health issues, such as anemia or infection. 

They spend time talking to you about your procedure and what you can do now to get yourself ready. They also guide you on the recovery process, including what you can expect and what you can do to improve your healing. 

The team may make referrals to specialists as needed. They may also schedule a follow-up visit before your surgery to re-evaluate your health, as well as after your surgery to see how you’re recovering.

Pre-operative clearance ensures you’re ready for surgery, physically and mentally. Call Northeast Florida Internal Medicine or schedule your exam online today.