PREOPERATIVE EVALUTION
Appointment
The Doctor
Primary care providers are often asked to evaluate a patient prior to surgery. The PCP may be seeing the patient at the request of the surgeon or may be assessing the patient prior to consideration of a surgical referral. The goal of the evaluation of the patient is to detect unrecognized disease and risk factors that may increase the risk of surgery above baseline and to propose strategies to reduce this risk. Here at Tapia Internal Medicine Clinic, PLLC the physicians strive to make sure that all necessary tests are concluded before sending the patient back to the surgeon with a clear bill of health or surgical clearance.
List of tests that may be recommended:
- Electrocardiogram or EKG
- Lab work
- Screening questionaire
- Imaging ex. X-Ray, MRI, CT
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903-739-7920
Frequently Asked Questions
A preoperative evaluation is a medical assessment done before you undergo surgery. It helps identify any existing conditions or risks (such as heart rhythm issues, diabetes, high blood pressure) that could affect your surgery. At our clinic we aim to complete all necessary tests and clear you or flag issues for your surgeon.
At Tapia Clinic, your evaluation is carried out by one of our internal-medicine physicians. They review your health history, perform required testing, and collaborate with your surgeon if needed.
Depending on your health and the planned surgery, we may request an electrocardiogram (EKG), lab work (blood tests), imaging (X-ray, CT or MRI), screening questionnaires, and review of conditions like diabetes, hypertension, cholesterol and allergies.
It’s best to schedule the evaluation as soon as your surgeon requests it or when the surgery is confirmed. The earlier we do it, the more time we have to identify issues and coordinate care without delaying your surgery.
If we identify a condition that needs attention (for example uncontrolled blood pressure or new heart rhythm findings), we will work to stabilize or manage it before surgery and communicate recommendations to your surgeon. Our goal is to improve safety and reduce surgical risk.
No. The evaluation complements your surgical care but does not replace the surgeon’s assessment or any specialty consultations you may need. We focus on your overall health and readiness for surgery, while your surgeon focuses on the procedure.
Not always. For routine evaluation visits we usually do standard lab tests and an EKG, which may require overnight fasting. Your provider will give you specific instructions. Also, please bring a list of all current medications so we can review them in the context of your upcoming surgery.
Call us at (903) 739-7920, or use the patient portal to request an appointment. Let us know the date of your planned surgery and any forms your surgeon provided so we can coordinate the tests and paperwork efficiently.