Medical Clearance in Phoenix and Sun City, AZ
If you’ve been scheduled for surgery, one of the most important steps before the procedure is medical clearance for surgery. Whether the operation you’re being prepared for, your care team will likely require a pre-operative evaluation.
At Prestige Medical Care, Carla Aldaz, MSN, FNP, ANCC-BC, brings over a decade of clinical excellence to wound care management as a board-certified Family Nurse Practitioner with extensive experience in surgery, emergency medicine, and critical care.
What Is Medical Clearance?
Getting medical clearance before surgery is the safest way to ensure you’re ready for a procedure. It’s a check-up that helps make sure everything goes smoothly, especially if you have ongoing health conditions, take regular medications, or are a bit older.
Your surgeon will recommend this preoperative clearance based on your health history and the type of surgery you’re undergoing. The process typically follows standard guidelines, although it may vary slightly depending on various factors. It will involve a thorough review of your medical history, some basic tests, and sometimes referrals to specialists.
Whether your surgery is a few weeks away or just a few days, getting this done early is a smart move. It helps prevent any last-minute surprises and provides your surgical team with all the necessary information they need to care for you safely.
Assessing Surgical Risk: Cardiac and Respiratory Evaluations
Before giving medical clearance for surgery, providers assess your overall health, especially your heart and lungs. These cardiovascular assessments and respiratory assessments are essential for identifying any risks that could complicate anesthesia or recovery.
One of the tools your provider may use is the Revised Cardiac Risk Index (RCRI), which assesses your risk of heart-related complications based on factors such as age, existing chronic conditions, and a previous cardiac history. If you have asthma, COPD, or a smoking history, your pulmonary function will be considered as well to ensure safe oxygen levels during and after surgery.
By screening for these risks early, your medical team can adjust the surgical plan or recommend additional support, such as consulting a cardiologist before the procedure. At Prestige, our team is trained to thoroughly evaluate these risks while ensuring your experience remains smooth and stress-free.
Medical Clearance in Phoenix and Sun City, AZ
When your surgery is scheduled, time is of the essence. At Prestige Medical Care, Carla Aldaz provides fast, professional pre-op exams and pre-op medical clearance services without the need to book weeks in advance. Our team is trained to evaluate surgical readiness with care and accuracy, ensuring you’re cleared safely and confidently.
Contact our Phoenix or Sun City offices online today to learn more about our medical clearance services and schedule your consultation.