How Long Before Surgery Should I Get a Pre-Op Physical?

A pre-operative physical examination is a crucial step in ensuring your readiness for surgery. The timing of this comprehensive health assessment is pivotal to your well-being as well as the success of your procedure.

If your surgical team has instructed you to have a pre-operative evaluation, the experienced medical team at South Tampa Immediate Care can help. We perform pre-op physicals at our urgent care center in Tampa, Florida, and we can help you determine the right time to schedule yours.

Standard Timing Recommendations

In general, your pre-op physical should be completed within 30 days of your scheduled procedure. This timeframe will allow your healthcare team to thoroughly evaluate your health, integrate the results into your surgical plan and, if necessary, address any medical issues that could increase your risk of surgical complications, such as infection.

Individual Considerations

With that said, the precise timing of your pre-op physical can vary depending on the type of surgery you have planned, your medical history, and your surgeon’s preferences. Some procedures require more extensive pre-operative evaluations than others, and this can influence the scheduling timeline.

Complex Cases and Chronic Conditions

If you have a complex medical history or chronic health condition, your surgeon may advise you to schedule your pre-op physical more than 30 days in advance of your surgery. The goal is to provide sufficient time to make any necessary adjustments to your surgical plan.

Communication With Your Healthcare Team

Effective communication between you, your surgeon, and the other members of your healthcare team is vital to determining the optimal timing of your pre-op physical. Coordinated efforts among all key players—including you—can streamline the evaluation process and ensure that you are optimized for surgery.

Schedule Your Exam Today

To schedule your pre-op physical at South Tampa Immediate Care, send an email to physicals@southtampaimmediatecare.com today. The price of your exam can vary depending on your surgeon’s orders, but we will inform you of the final cost before your appointment. Our urgent care center is conveniently located at 602 S. Howard Ave. in Tampa, FL.