After you've planned your procedure, you'll need to go through Pre-admission Testing (PAT). PAT ensures that you are in the best possible health prior to surgery or a procedure. This could imply that you may need more testing or evaluation.
The PAT team also consults with your surgeon and anesthesiologist to see if you have any pre-existing conditions that could affect the timing or outcome of your surgery. They also communicate with the doctors to ensure that they have everything they need to provide you with safe care.
Frequently asked questions
1. Is it necessary for me to undergo a PAT assessment before I have surgery?
- No, that isn't necessary. However, we strongly encourage all patients to schedule a pre-admission testing visit with our pre-assessment nurse, who will work with your surgeon and anesthesiologist to ensure that you are ready for surgery and to avoid cancellations or delays on the day of surgery.
2. When is the PAT inspection scheduled?
- Pre-admission testing is usually scheduled between one to five days before your procedure. This will take roughly 20-30 minutes. However, depending on the amount of medical history you have, it may take less or more time.
3. What do I need to prepare for the PAT examination?
- Make a list of all of your medications, including when and how often you take them, your medical and surgical history, a list of your physicians, the names and phone numbers of emergency contacts, and those who will be driving you home after surgery, on paper or in your phone. If you had blood work, an EKG, a stress test, or a cardiac catheterization within the last year, please notify your nurse so that they can be forwarded to the PAT department.
4. What is the difference between a pre-operative evaluation and a post-operative assessment?
- A pre-operative evaluation is a medical visit with your primary care physician or a specialist to confirm that you are healthy enough to undergo surgery.
- A pre-assessment nurse conducts a PAT assessment. This nurse works with your surgeon and anesthesiologist to collect all relevant information for your surgery, including pre-op testing and evaluations with your doctors, as well as your medical history.
Reference: Pre-admission testing. (n.d.). Retrieved from https://www.honorhealth.com/medical-services/surgery-services/pre-admission-testing