Patient-s-Guide-to-Spine-Surgery-V1

Physical Examination/Pre-Surgical Evaluation You may be asked to see your primary care physician to assess your overall health and identify any medical conditions that could interfere with surgery or recovery. If being treated by a specialist, you may be required to be seen for pre-operative medical clearance. Clinic for Surgical Services Once your surgery is scheduled and you have pre-registered, a nurse from the Clinic for Surgical Services (PAT) will call you. Some patients may need to come to Mercy for a pre-operative testing appointment. On the phone you will be asked about medications, your health history and prior anesthesia history. The nurse that calls you will discuss which medications you may take the day of surgery. There are some medications that should be discontinued for several days before surgery. Your surgeon will inform you of any medications you take that should be stopped. The nurse will also confirm the date and time of your surgery, including what time to arrive at the hospital. Please have the following information readily available:

• List of all medications including prescriptions and over the counter medications/ vitamins/herbs /supplements

• List of prior surgeries

• Specialists (cardiologist, pulmonologist, urologist, etc.) names and telephone numbers

If you are scheduled for a pre-operative testing appointment, the following may be included in your visit:

• Blood (lab) work

• ECG

• Medical Management Consult

• Chest X-ray

Please let us know if you have had any recent tests. It is very important that you go to this appointment or your surgery date may have to be changed.