Preparing for Your Visit

Some of the tests you may receive during Pre-Admission Testing (also known as Pre-Procedure Evaluation) include:

• Basic medical history and physical examination
• Blood tests
• Cardiogram (EKG)
• X-rays
• Pregnancy test (for women of child-bearing age)
• Evaluation by the Anesthesia Department

In addition to testing, you will be asked about the current medications, vitamins and herbal supplements that you take. You may receive instructions about how you should use these items before your surgery.

You will be asked if you have an advance directive, also known as a “living will” or a “power of attorney for healthcare.” In an advance directive, you give direction to your healthcare providers about your future treatment choices, should you be unable to express your wishes. An advance directive is not required. But if you have one, please bring it to your appointment.

In addition, you will be asked to provide information about health insurance and payment for your procedure. Check with your health insurance carrier about pre-certification requirements to ensure that your procedure/admission is approved.

It is very important to bring certain items with you to your appointment. These include:

• A list of medications, vitamins and herbal supplements that you currently take. If you do not have a list, bring your medications to your appointment.
• The dosage of the above medications.
• Health insurance cards and information.
• Referrals, if your insurance plan requires.
• Co-payments, if required.
• A copy of your advance directive (“living will” or “power of attorney for healthcare”), if you have one.
• Any consults/clearances your physician may have given you.
• List of allergies.
• Results from recent diagnostic or imaging tests (X-rays, MRI, lab work, EKG, etc.)
• Photo identification.
• Name and phone number of primary care and specialty physicians (such as a cardiologist).

You should allow about an hour-and-a-half. You may experience some delays.

Patients will be seen in the order in which they arrive. Some patients must be tested just before they go to the operating room, so they are seen “next.”

On the day of your appointment, you can eat, drink and take your medications as you normally would, unless your physician has given you other instructions. If your P.A.T. appointment is on the same day as your procedure, however, do not eat or drink anything after midnight.

If your child is less than 18, you must be present to sign necessary consent forms and to provide health information about your child. Plan to pick up your child after his or her surgery.

Interpreter services are available free of charge. Click here to learn more.

• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your operation unless you have received other directions from a Crozer Health professional. This includes all food and drink as well as ice, water, chewing gum and candy. Your surgery may be canceled if you have not followed this rule.
• Take medications as directed by a representative of the Anesthesia Department or the Pre-Admission Testing Department. If you did not receive anesthesia information or have forgotten what you were told, bring your medications with you to the hospital.
• Do not drink alcohol or smoke 24 hours prior to your procedure.
• Shower or bathe and shampoo your hair the night before or the morning of your surgery.

• You should wear a comfortable, loose-fitting outfit to the hospital.
• Do not wear any makeup or jewelry.
• Wear a button-down shirt, not a pullover.
• Remove all body piercing jewelry.
• Bring a case for your glasses/contact lenses and dentures. They will be returned to you after you leave the recovery area.
• Leave all valuables at home.