Pre-Operative Physical Exams in South Tampa – Prepare for a Smooth Surgical Journey
Are you getting ready to have a surgical procedure? Whether it is a minor outpatient treatment or a more complex surgery requiring a hospital stay, preparing in advance can significantly boost your confidence as you approach the operating room.
The Importance of Pre-Op Physicals
In many cases, surgical preparation involves a critical step: the pre-operative physical examination. Your surgical team will assess whether you need a pre-op physical, and if so, they will provide specific instructions. This exam should be completed within 30 days of your scheduled procedure. This timeframe will allow your surgeon to integrate the results into your surgical plan and address any health issues you might have, such as an infection, which could increase your surgical risk.
If you need a pre-operative evaluation, the experienced medical professionals at South Tampa Immediate Care can help. We are pleased to perform pre-op physicals at our urgent care center in South Tampa.
What to Expect During Your Pre-Op Physical
A pre-op physical differs from a routine wellness checkup. Its purpose is twofold: (1) to confirm that you are healthy enough to safely undergo anesthesia and the planned procedure, and (2) to provide valuable insights that can enhance your surgical outcome.
During your pre-op physical at South Tampa Immediate Care, your provider will:
- Go over your personal and family health history, paying special attention to any chronic medical conditions, allergies, past surgeries, and prior responses to anesthesia.
- Document your height and weight.
- Assess your vital signs, including your blood pressure, heart rate, and body temperature.
- Review your medication use, including any prescription drugs, over-the-counter remedies, vitamins, and supplements, and explain how you should take them before your surgery.
- Conduct a physical examination, cardiac assessment, and lung evaluation.
- Order additional preoperative tests if necessary, such as blood work, a urinalysis, X-rays, or an electrocardiogram (EKG), all of which can be completed on-site.
In addition to a medical assessment, your provider will offer personalized advice to help you prepare for your surgery. For instance, they may encourage you to quit smoking, incorporate more nutritious foods into your diet, increase your physical activity, get adequate rest, and arrange for the support you may need both before and after your procedure.
Upon completing your pre-op physical, your provider will prepare a detailed preoperative risk stratification report, categorizing your risk as low, medium, or high. You can then share this report with your surgeon, who will make an informed decision about proceeding with your scheduled surgery, or if necessary, recommend delaying it until a specific medical issue improves or resolves. We will provide everything you need to ensure a safe and successful surgical experience.
Schedule Your Pre-Op Physical
South Tampa Immediate Care is your trusted partner for pre-operative physical exams. We will ensure you are optimally prepared for surgery. To schedule your pre-op physical at our convenient location at 602 S. Howard Ave. in South Tampa, please send an email to preop@southtampaimmediatecare.com. The cost of the exam can vary based on your surgeon’s requirements, and we will provide you with the final cost in advance of your appointment. Enhancing your health, well-being, and confidence in your surgical journey are our top priorities.
