Preparing for surgery involves more than confirming the date of your procedure. Your surgical team may request a preoperative physical exam to identify health concerns, review medications, and determine whether additional testing or coordination is needed before surgery.
My Primary Care NP provides preoperative physical exams as part of our services in Bel Air, Maryland. Lana Kim, DNP, reviews your health history, performs an appropriate physical examination, and provides the requested information to your surgeon or surgical facility.
What Is a Preoperative Physical Exam?
A preoperative physical exam, also called a pre-op exam, is a health assessment completed before a planned procedure. It helps your care team understand your current health and identify conditions that could affect surgery, anesthesia, or recovery.
The visit does not replace the evaluation performed by your surgeon or anesthesia provider. Your surgical team may request additional information or testing based on the procedure, your medical history, and the facility’s requirements.
What Happens During a Pre-Op Exam?
Lana will review the instructions and forms provided by your surgeon. The evaluation may include:
- Your planned procedure and surgery date
- Personal and family medical history
- Previous surgeries or anesthesia reactions
- Allergies
- Current symptoms
- Prescription medications
- Vitamins, supplements, and over-the-counter products
- Alcohol, tobacco, and substance use
- Blood pressure and other appropriate measurements
- A physical examination based on your health and procedure
Be prepared to discuss chronic conditions such as diabetes, high blood pressure, asthma, heart disease, or sleep apnea. These conditions may need to be stable or more closely managed before surgery.
Will I Need Testing Before Surgery?
Testing depends on your age, health history, type of procedure, and the requirements supplied by your surgeon or surgical facility. Not every patient needs the same tests.
Requested testing may include:
- A complete blood count
- Blood sugar testing
- Kidney or liver function testing
- Blood-clotting tests
- Urinalysis
- An electrocardiogram
- Chest imaging
- Other condition-specific testing
Lana may order appropriate tests or coordinate additional evaluation when indicated. Patients with certain heart, lung, blood, sleep, or endocrine concerns may need assessment from a specialist before surgery.
How Are Medications Managed Before Surgery?
Your medication list is an important part of the preoperative evaluation. Some prescriptions, supplements, and over-the-counter products may affect blood sugar, blood pressure, bleeding, anesthesia, or recovery.
Lana can review your medications and document relevant concerns, but do not stop or change a medication on your own. Follow the specific instructions given by your surgeon, prescribing provider, and anesthesia team.
If you receive ongoing care for diabetes, hypertension, high cholesterol, thyroid disease, or another condition, preoperative planning may also involve chronic disease and medication management. Keeping chronic conditions controlled can help your surgical team plan safer care.
What Should You Bring to the Appointment?
Bring the information needed to complete and send your evaluation efficiently:
- Preoperative forms from the surgeon
- The surgeon’s name and contact information
- Surgery date and type of procedure
- Surgical facility information
- A complete medication and supplement list
- Recent test results or specialist records
- Details about previous anesthesia reactions
- Insurance information and identification
Schedule the appointment according to your surgeon’s timeline. Preoperative evaluations are often completed within the month before surgery, but individual facilities may require a different timeframe.
Why Choose My Primary Care NP for a Preoperative Physical Exam?
My Primary Care NP provides preoperative evaluations within the context of your overall primary care. Lana Kim, DNP, considers your current health, medications, chronic conditions, previous procedures, and the specific requirements supplied by your surgeon.
The practice emphasizes accessible, patient-centered, and collaborative care. Lana can complete appropriate documentation, coordinate requested testing, and help address health concerns that may need attention before your procedure.
Frequently Asked Questions About Preoperative Physical Exams
Prepare for Surgery in Bel Air
A timely preoperative evaluation can help your surgical team understand your health and prepare for your procedure. My Primary Care NP provides preoperative physical exams for adults in Bel Air, Maryland.
Call 410-417-9322 to speak with Lana Kim, DNP, and arrange a consultation.
