Preoperative Appointment Testing

Prior to surgery at an Atlantic Health System location, you will meet with your surgeon to talk about the upcoming procedure. Topics discussed usually include: 

• Risks and benefits of surgery
• Alternatives to surgery
• Allergies that you have
• Prescription and over-the-counter medications that you currently take (bring a list with name, dosage and frequency
• Current and previous medical and surgical history
• Alcohol, tobacco or illegal drugs use (what you say is kept confidential
• Personal or family history of high fever or other complications during surgery
• Potential pregnancies

Jot down any additional questions you may have ahead of time and be sure to bring your insurance cards. A family member or caregiver may attend all of our preoperative meetings with you.

Preoperative Testing

During your preoperative appointment, your surgeon may order a chest X-ray, an electrocardiogram or EKG, and blood and urine tests. These are often  necessary to determine your body’s overall health status, as well as your stability for surgery and anesthesia.

Be aware that routine testing may vary by patient based on gender, age and medical history and is ultimately up to the discretion of the surgeon and anesthesiology specialist. If you have any previous laboratory tests or radiology studies, we recommend that you bring them to your appointment.

Pre-Procedure Evaluation Center

Morristown Medical Center surgery patients may attend the Pre-Procedure Evaluation Center, located across from the hospital at 111 Madison Avenue, for all of their preoperative testing and instructions.

Preparing for Preoperative

If you are required to make an appointment for routine testing, have your testing form handy because we may need you to read important details from it. Fasting is sometimes required, so be sure to ask your surgeon or a scheduler if this is necessary.

On the day of the tests, bring your testing form, insurance cards, a form of identification and a list of your current medications. In some cases, you may be asked to return for additional testing closer to the day of your surgery.

Pre-Surgical Documentation

Either at your surgeon's office or at the hospital, you will be asked to sign a document called informed consent. This provides confirmation that you and your surgeon have discussed the operation and alternative treatments, that you understand the potential risks and complications associated with the surgery, and that you have arrived at the decision to proceed at your own free will.

We also encourage you to complete an advanced directive or living will, which appoints a trusted person to make health care decisions for you if you are unable to do so. You can obtain this form at any registration area of the hospital.