If you’re preparing for a surgical procedure, your surgical team may ask you to have a medical clearance exam. These assessments are among the services available from Farridah Shafiee, DO, of Patient Centered Internal Medicine in Simi Valley, California. If you have questions or are ready to book your medical clearance exam, online booking is one option, or you can always call to check appointment availability.
request an appointmentWhat are medical clearance exams?
Medical clearance exams are specialized exams performed in preparation for a surgical procedure. The purpose of these exams is to ensure you’re healthy enough to withstand the challenges of surgery.
Surgeons usually practice a very specific type of medicine. Their training and experience are focused on the surgical interventions they offer, and many have extensive experience in their field of practice. However, most surgeons don’t incorporate primary care or internal medicine into their practice.
This is why most surgical teams require patients to work with a primary care physician to complete a medical clearance exam. Many aspects of the exam are similar to routine physicals and include gathering basic health data and vital signs. Your surgeon may request specific assessments, depending on the type of surgery.
How can I prepare for my medical clearance visit?
Understanding the medications you’re taking is a critical part of preparing for surgery. Some drugs can create complications with anesthesia or the medications needed during recovery. Take time to create a written list of your medications, including the dosage and how long you’ve been taking them.
You should also be prepared to share the details of your personal and family health history. If you’re a returning patient at Patient Centered Internal Medicine, this information may already be in your personal medical record.
If you have a chronic disease or were recently treated for a serious health condition, be sure to discuss the details with Dr. Shafiee during your visit.
What if I “fail” my medical clearance exam?
It’s stressful enough to prepare for surgery without the added hassle of not “passing” your medical clearance exam. However, if this takes place, it’s important to understand that this means the medical clearance exam is helping to prevent risk or complications of surgery. It acts as a warning sign that you may not have a positive outcome if you move forward with your procedure.
Fortunately, many health issues that would trigger a “failed” clearance exam can be treated or managed. This means you may still be able to have your procedure once those issues are addressed.
If you have additional questions about the process of having a medical clearance exam or are ready to book your visit, call Patient Centered Internal Medicine to see if there is an appointment time that fits your busy schedule. Online booking is also an option, and can be done any time of day or night.