Our Services / Pre-op Clearance

What is a pre-op clearance exam?

A pre-op clearance exam is a type of specialized exam needed prior to a surgical procedure. The purpose of the exam is to make sure you are healthy enough to withstand the rigors of surgery as well as the necessary recovery process. 

Surgery comes with a risk of complications, and people with certain medical conditions have an increased risk. A thorough pre-op exam lets your entire health team guide you in making informed decisions about your care, which can improve the outcomes. 

Many surgical procedures require anesthesia, which can take a toll on your body. Pre-op screenings reduce the risk of a negative reaction to anesthesia. 

What happens during a pre-op exam?

Much of a pre-op exam is similar to the process of getting an annual physical. You’ll go over your personal and family health history and share the details of any medications and supplements you’re taking. 

A basic physical exam follows, checking heart and lung function, blood pressure, general appearance, and more. Blood testing, including a complete blood count (CBC), is often part of the process. LuZcare offers in-house blood work, as well as pulmonary function testing and EKG. 

If you need additional testing, your health team will coordinate those screenings and incorporate the results into your pre-op exam report. In some cases, your surgical team will request specific tests as part of the process.

What if I “fail” my pre-op exam?

Preparing for surgery is as much of an emotional journey as it is a physical one, and “failing” a pre-op exam can be incredibly frustrating and stressful. It’s important to understand, however, that failing to obtain clearance for a surgical procedure simply means that the pre-op exam fulfilled its purpose, which is to prevent you from going into surgery without proper preparation. 

If your pre-op exam reveals areas of concern, you’ll work with your health team to determine the next steps. In some cases, the matter can be resolved quickly, and you can move forward with your planned procedure. 

In other cases, existing health conditions need to be improved or stabilized prior to having surgery. Though this can be disappointing, focusing on your overall health and wellness can improve your long-term outcomes, including the success of your surgery. 

If you have additional questions or concerns about the pre-op exam process, book a visit online today. You are also welcome to call the office to check appointment availability.