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Nearly everyone needs surgery during their lifetime, and pre-op physicals ensure they’re healthy enough to undergo such procedures. At North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care, with locations in Allen, Addison, Fort Worth, and San Antonio, Texas, Frank Lee, MD, and the team offer this service for patients of all ages. Schedule a pre-op physical by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.
What are pre-op physicals?
Pre-op physicals are medical examinations that determine if you’re healthy enough to undergo surgery. This exam is typically required by surgeons before you’re cleared for a medical procedure. It can detect potential problems before surgery to avoid complications and ensure the procedure is as safe as possible.
The North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care team is highly trained in pre-op physicals.
What should I expect during a pre-op physical?
You can expect the following during a pre-op physical at North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care:
Vital signs evaluation
Your specialist weighs you and evaluates your blood pressure, pulse, and other vital signs during the first portion of a pre-op physical.
Review of medical history
Your provider discusses your medical history during the physical. They ask about any symptoms you may have, your medications, past surgeries, lifestyle, and personal and family histories of medical issues.
Medical examination
During your pre-op medical exam, your specialist evaluates your overall health by looking for signs of potential problems. They listen to your breathing and heartbeat and evaluate your eyes, ears, throat, limbs, and other areas of your body.
Diagnostic testing
Depending on your health, risk factors, and the type of surgery you’re scheduled for, you often require diagnostic testing before the procedure. It’s common to need blood or urine testing, heart function testing (such as an electrocardiogram or EKG), stress testing, lung function tests, an endoscopy, X-rays, ultrasounds, MRIs, CT scans, or other imaging procedures.
What happens after a pre-op physical?
After North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care receives the results of the diagnostic tests, the team discusses them with you. Your provider fills out any required papeworks and sends the information to your surgeon. They let you know if they have any abnormal findings and follow up with you after surgery to optimize your health and well-being.
You may need to stop taking specific medications or dietary supplements before undergoing surgery, avoid foods and drinks the morning of the procedure, and make arrangements for someone to drive you home. Talk with your surgeon ahead of time to properly prepare and experience the best outcome.
Schedule a pre-op physical at North Tex MedCare Clinic and Urgent Care by calling the office or requesting an appointment online today.