Pre-op Clearance

Pre-op clearance ensures you’re ready for major surgery. William Rowland, MD,  Devendra Autar, DO, and the team at Boca General & Family Medicine in Boca Raton, Florida, have extensive experience performing these checks. They aim to spot any problems early and ensure your body is ready for surgery. To discuss your needs or arrange a pre-op clearance, call Boca General & Family Medicine today. You can also use the online booking form to schedule a consultation.

What is pre-op clearance?

Pre-op (pre-operative) clearance is a medical check-up you get before surgery. It helps your surgeon understand if you’re healthy enough for the procedure — consider it your body’s green light for surgery.

The Boca General & Family Medicine team reviews your overall health, checks for hidden issues, and works with your surgeon to ensure everything goes as safely as possible.

Who needs a pre-op clearance?

Not everyone needs pre-op clearance, but many people do, especially if their surgery requires general anesthesia. It’s also important to undergo pre-op clearance if you have the following conditions:

• High blood pressure (hypertension)
• Diabetes
• Asthma
• Heart disease

Your surgeon will let you know if you need a pre-op clearance, and then you can schedule it with Boca General & Family Medicine.

What happens during the pre-op appointment?

Bring a list of all your medications to your pre-op clearance, including over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, and supplements. If your surgeon gave you any forms or test orders, bring those, too. It also helps to know your medical history, like past surgeries, hospital stays, or allergies.

Your provider starts with a physical exam and goes over your medical history. Depending on your age, health, and the type of surgery, they may order tests like blood work, an electrocardiogram (EKG) to check your heart, a chest X-ray, or other procedures your surgeon requests.

What happens if there’s a problem during pre-op clearance?

If the Boca General & Family Medicine team finds something concerning during pre-op clearance, like uncontrolled high blood pressure or abnormal test results, they begin treatment and help you manage it.

Sometimes, this means adjusting medications or following up with a specialist before surgery. This ensures you’re in the best shape possible before entering the operating room.

How soon before surgery should I get pre-op clearance?

It’s best to schedule pre-op clearance as soon as you have a date for the surgery. The Boca General & Family Medicine team can complete some clearances within a few days, but others may require more time if they need extra tests or specialist input. Try to visit at least 1-2 weeks before your surgery date.

Once everything is complete, your provider sends all the necessary paperwork and test results straight to your surgeon’s office.

Call Boca General & Family Medicine or book an appointment online today if you need pre-op clearance.