Pre-Admission Testing, also known as Pre-Procedure Testing, refers to a series of tests and evaluations given to you prior to surgery to ensure that you are ready for surgery. You must complete Pre-Admission Testing before having surgery at any Crozer-Keystone hospital. Listed below are commonly-asked questions and answers to help you learn more about pre-admission testing at Crozer-Keystone Health System hospitals.
Pre-Admission Testing Q & A
To help ensure that your pre-admission testing goes smoothly, it's good to be as prepared as possible. To help you in that preparation, we have listed the answers to some commonly-asked questions about pre-admission testing.
It's important that you read this section at least several days before your appointment so you are properly-prepared. Included in this section is information on what to expect during pre-admission testing, how long it takes, whether or not you can eat on the day of your appointment, and more.
Q: What should I expect at my Pre-Admission Testing (also known as Pre-Procedure Evaluation) Appointment?
A. Some of the tests you may receive during Pre-Admission Testing 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 health care.” In an advance directive, you give direction to your health care 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 precertification requirements to ensure that your procedure/admission is approved.
Q: What should I bring to my P.A.T. appointment?
A: 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 health care”), 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).
Q: How long does P.A.T. take?
A: 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.”
Q: Can I eat on the day of my appointment?
A: 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.