Preoperative Testing

The purpose of your visit to the preoperative testing areas, or "Pretesting", is to identify, evaluate, and document any medical condition that may affect the course of your surgery. This process supplements the work your vascular surgeon, primary care physician, and others will have already done to prepare you for your operation. Our goal is to pave the way for a smooth arrival on the morning of your operation. The work that we do will provide immediate access to the essentials of your medical evaluation to the many individual clinicians who will care for you during your stay at the medical center.

You will be asked about he details of your medical history and undergo a physical examination conducted by a physician assistant or nurse practitioner working under the supervision of your vascular surgeon. You will meet with a nurse and an anesthesiologist or anesthesiology nurse practitioner. You will usually have some blood tests, an electrocardiogram and a chest X-ray. Finally, you will be given specific instructions regarding your medications and diet prior to the operation. Pleases feel completely free to ask questions at any point.

We know that your time is valuable and we'll occupy it sparingly. "Pretesting" will take from one to several hours, depending on the complexity of your medical condition. You can expedite you own care by arriving promptly for you appointment, and by providing a complete list of your current medications, including dosages and frequency of use. If you have further questions, or wish to change an appointment, please call the office of your vascular surgeon.

The "Pretesting" area is located on level A, in the main hospital building. The telephone number is 508 856-8068.