Medical clearance, also known as a preoperative evaluation, involves a series of tests and examinations performed before surgery to assess your overall health. This process is essential to determine whether you are medically fit to undergo surgery and general anesthesia.
If you have an upcoming procedure, your surgeon may request a pre-surgical clearance from your primary care provider before proceeding with treatment.
At Internal Medicine & Primary Care of Sebastian (IMPCS), we streamline the pre-op process by ensuring you are fully prepared and cleared for your procedure.
We handle all necessary tests, complete surgeon-required evaluations, and ensure all forms are signed and submitted promptly.
Medical clearance is a critical part of the surgical process. It’s a vital step designed to reduce the risk of complications during and after your procedure.
The primary goal of a pre-surgical clearance is to identify any health issues that could affect the success of your surgery or increase your risk for complications. This evaluation ensures that you’re in the best possible condition to safely undergo surgery and have a healthy recovery.
During the clearance process, your primary care provider will assess your overall health, review your medical history, and determine if your body is ready to handle anesthesia and the physical stress of surgery.
A clearance letter from your provider informs your surgeon that you’ve been properly evaluated and are medically fit for surgery. It also gives the anesthesiologist valuable insights into your health, helping them tailor anesthesia plans to your specific needs.
In some cases, this evaluation may uncover conditions that need to be addressed before proceeding with surgery. This may include things like uncontrolled blood pressure, blood sugar concerns, or medication adjustments. Taking care of these issues beforehand helps ensure your procedure is as safe and successful as possible.
At Internal Medicine & Primary Care of Sebastian, pre-op evaluations are customized to your age, medical history, the type of surgery being planned, and any specific input or requirements from your surgeon.
Here is a breakdown of the key components involved in the pre-surgical clearance process.
Your pre-op evaluation begins with a thorough physical exam, which helps establish a clear picture of your current health status and identifies any red flags before surgery.
This includes monitoring your vital signs:
Our provider will listen carefully to your heart and lungs to detect any abnormal breathing sounds or signs of fluid buildup that could indicate underlying issues.
We also conduct a thorough examination to check for any visible signs of infection, inflammation, swelling, or pain that may delay or complicate your surgery. This full-body assessment provides valuable insights into your overall health and helps guide any further testing that may be needed before your procedure.
A thorough review of your medical history helps ensure that any condition, whether previously diagnosed or not, is taken into account before your surgery. This process allows us to recognize potential red flags that could interfere with your procedure, recovery, or how your body responds to anesthesia.
Here is what we focus on:
Depending on the condition, we may need to adjust your medications or take precautions to ensure the success and safety of surgery.
Understanding your medical background in detail enables us to take proactive decisions to minimize the likelihood of complications and ensure the safest possible outcome from your surgery.
Our provider will review your current medications, including prescription drugs, over-the-counter medications, supplements, and vitamins you are taking.
If medication changes are required, our team will:
Sometimes, your body may not show obvious symptoms of an underlying issue, but internal issues can still pose serious risks during surgery. That is why we perform some basic diagnostic tests to get a snapshot of your overall health and help identify any hidden conditions that could interfere with surgery or recovery.
Here are some common tests that may be ordered as part of your preoperative evaluation.
Please note that not all patients will need every test listed. Our healthcare provider will determine which tests are necessary based on your medical history, age, and the type of surgery you are having.
Once your pre-operative testing is complete, our team takes several steps to help ensure you are fully prepared, physically and medically, for your upcoming procedure.
Pre-op evaluations are usually scheduled a few weeks to a month before surgery, allowing us time to identify and manage any potential issues well in advance. This proactive approach helps reduce surgical risks, improves recovery, and gives both you and your surgical team peace of mind.
Here is what happens after your evaluation.
If Everything Looks Good - If your test results come back normal and you are deemed fit for surgery:
If an Issue is Found - If the testing results reveal any concerns that could impact your safety or surgical outcome, we will act quickly and efficiently to address it:
Throughout this process, we remain in close communication with your surgeon and any specialists involved in your care. Our priority is to make sure every aspect of your health is addressed so you can safely proceed with surgery.
At IMPCS, we provide essential medical clearance for surgery to ensure you're healthy and ready for your procedure. Our team, led by Dr. Edeck Pierre, is committed to making your surgical journey as smooth and safe as possible.
To schedule a consultation, please call (772) 783-2436 or book an appointment online today.
If you experience symptoms requiring immediate attention, we also provide acute care appointments within 48 hours to ensure you receive prompt evaluation and treatment.
7955 Bay St Suite 2
Sebastian, FL 32958
Monday - Friday | 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Saturday | Available by Appointment