Pre-Operative Testing and Surgical Clearance

Scheduled for surgery? Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches provides pre-operative testing and clearance at all three locations, usually with no appointment. We run the exam and tests your surgeon needs and send the results straight to their office, so nothing holds up your procedure.

What pre-op testing includes

Your provider reviews your health history and does a focused physical exam. Depending on your surgery and your surgeon’s request, we can also run blood work, an EKG, a urine test, and a chest X-ray on site. If you had recent tests, bring them so we do not repeat what is not needed.

What is Preoperative Screening or Pre-Op Evaluation?

A preoperative evaluation is often required before a patient undergoes any elective surgery (non-emergency). The purpose of this pre op exam is not necessarily to “clear” a patient for surgery. Rather, it is done to evaluate if there are any risks that the surgeon and the medical team must prepare for.  

Patients who undergo a pre-op screening in North Palm Beach go through physical examination and medical history evaluation specifically to check for risk factors involving cardiac and pulmonary functions. The doctor conducting the pre-op screening will also determine if there are risks related to infectious complications. 

Furthermore, assessments specific to the procedure will also be done. The doctor will cross-evaluate the nature of the procedure with the patient’s medical history and condition to make a detailed report of the possible risks and reactions. 

Additionally, the kind of anesthetic and its administration will be factored in as well. The physician performing the pre-op screening in West Palm Beach will check whether the anesthesia might cause adverse effects that should be watched out for post-operation.

Why is Preoperative Screening Important?

As mentioned above, a pre-op exam is not simply to clear a patient for surgery. It is a way of acquiring as much information regarding the patient’s health as possible. The collected information will be used to determine possible sources of risks and complications. This will help the surgeon, anesthesiologist, and other medical professionals involved in the surgery and recovery to better prepare for potential risks and if necessary, make adjustments to minimize those risks.

The pre operative screening also allows the medical team to prepare a more comprehensive and accurate post-operation recovery management plan. 

In all, doctors require patients to undergo a pre-op screening mainly to avoid grave and unforeseen complications at any stage during or after the surgery. A pre op testing is intended to ensure that patients are free of any underlying health conditions that might influence the outcome of the surgery. 

If you have surgery scheduled or expect to have surgery in the near future, Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches would be happy to help you through the process as easily and calmly as possible. We understand the severity of your situation. As such, providing you with high-quality pre operative screening in North Palm Beach & West Palm Beach is our professional priority.

When to get your pre-op screening

Most surgeons want pre-op testing done within about a month of the procedure. That gives everyone time to sort out any finding before the day of surgery. Many elective surgeries also require a recent COVID test, which we can do at the same visit.

 

We have prepared a series of FAQs to help you understand what to expect from a pre operative testing in Palm Beach:

1. Who performs preoperative screening in Palm Springs?

The pre surgical exam takes place before an operation and is normally performed by a doctor. The procedure itself is performed by a surgeon. Your doctor at Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches will explain what needs to be tested during the pre-op exam and why. Some surgeons may also ask you to contact the anesthesiologist or pre-op nurse before your surgery in order to address any possible health issues.

2. How long before surgery can I get tested?

Pre-op screening typically occurs around 1 month before your scheduled surgery. This provides your doctor and surgeon enough time to address any medical concerns prior to your procedure.

 

3. What can I expect during the pre-op screening appointment?

The pre-op screening includes:

A basic physical exam

A review your health history (you are asked about your health over the years)

A discussion about your current health.

There are some tests which might need to be done, unless you have had them recently. If they are needed, your surgeon will let you know, and we will do them during your visit. These may include specific blood tests, x-rays or scans.

4. Will I need additional tests?

Every patient and every surgery is different. The pre-op exam takes into consideration the doctor’s assessment of each individual case. The need for additional tests usually depends on:

your overall health and any health issues you are experiencing

your health history

your age

the type of surgery

Further medical testing will be also necessary if your pre op testing shows underlying health issues, meaning it might be necessary to meet with one or more specialists (e.g., a cardiologist, an endocrinologist, a hematologist, etc.).

5. How long will my appointment take?

Your appointment will take between 1 and 3 hours, depending on the specific tests that should be performed. On average, an appointment takes about one hour.

7. Is my pre-op exam covered by insurance?

We accept most medical insurance plans from major providers. If we are not in network with your insurance companies, we will be billing your insurance company for you. We also have affordable rates for non-insured patients. Call or stop by one of our urgent care centers to learn more about our rates for patients without health insurance.

6. What should I do if my results are negative?

When your surgeon receives the results, you will decide together about the next steps that need to be taken to ensure your safety during surgery. If your results would prevent you from having the procedure, you might be tempted to ignore your doctor’s opinion and seek a surgeon who will perform the high-risk surgery. Remember that this risk involves your life.

Reliable Preoperative Screening in West Palm Beach, Palm Springs, and Palm Beach Gardens

If you need comprehensive and reliable preoperative screening in Palm Springs and the surrounding areas, contact Urgent Care of the Palm Beaches today and we will make sure to answer any other questions you might have. Our professional team will take care of all your medical needs. In order to get your pre op screening in Palm Beach County area, please visit one of our urgent care centers:

Alternatively, you can schedule an appointment directly. We also offer COVID-19 testing, which is also generally required before any elective surgery.

The material contained on this site is for informational purposes only and DOES NOT CONSTITUTE THE PROVIDING OF MEDICAL ADVICE, and is not intended to be a substitute for independent professional medical judgment, advice, diagnosis, or treatment.  Always seek the advice of your physician or other qualified healthcare provider with any questions or concerns you may have regarding your health.

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North Palm Beach / Palm Beach Gardens Clinic Location

11951 US Highway 1 Suite 108,
North Palm Beach, FL 33408

West Palm Beach / Palm Beach Clinic Location

5818 South Dixie Highway
West Palm Beach, FL 33405

Palm Springs / Forest Hill Blvd Clinic Location

3537 Forest Hill Boulevard,
West Palm Beach, FL 33406