Pre-Admission Surgical Evaluation (PASE)

Pre-Admission Surgical Evaluation (PASE)

Pre-Admission Surgical Evaluation is offered to any patient having surgery (for procedures that are more than a local surgical procedure) to help prepare for surgery. Occurring two to seven days before surgery, PASE consists of a nursing assessment, patient and family education, and discharge planning.

During your PASE appointment, you will have the opportunity to ask questions about your surgery, and will receive a folder of instructions and guidelines to prepare you for a successful surgery.

In addition to the PASE staff, registered nurses from Orthopaedics and Children's Services assist with the total-joint-replacement and pediatric patients.

Schedule your PASE appointment as soon as your surgery is scheduled by calling (319) 398-6211, Monday - Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. Allow 60 minutes for this visit.

Call the Admissions Department at (319) 398-6515, Monday - Friday, 7 a.m. - 4 p.m., for registration prior to the appointment.

Preparing for Your PASE Appointment

Parking is available in the Patient/Visitor Ramp. Enter at the North Ramp Entrance on Level 2 and enter the PASE office on the right. 

You may eat and take usual medications the day of testing unless instructed otherwise by your physician.

We encourage a family member or friend to accompany you to your PASE appointment.  If you will be discharged the same day as your surgery, it is recommended your after-surgery caregiver accompany you to this visit.

A PASE nurse will:

  • Complete a health history
  • Provide you with information about the night before surgery, the day of surgery and what to expect after surgery

Remember to bring with you:

  • Papers from your physician's office.
  • A completed Adult Medical History form provided by your surgeon's office.
  • List of current medications including the name of drug and dosage as written on bottle, vitamins, herbal supplements, and all over-the-counter medications you take.  
  • List of allergies and prior surgeries
  • Insurance card(s)/Medicaid card/Social Security number
  • Advanced Directive (if completed, please bring a copy and we will put this on your record)

Preparing for Surgery

Compliance with these guidelines is necessary for safe administration of anesthesia or sedation.  Failure to comply may result in cancellation of your surgery.

Arrival - On the day of surgery arrive at the Surgery Center 1½  hours before your surgery unless you are instructed otherwise.  Park in the ramp located at the corner of 8th Avenue and 8th Street.  Enter the hospital through the South Entrance and proceed to the Surgery Center on Level 2.

Diet - Nothing by mouth after midnight EXCEPT a sip of water with medications in the morning.

Home Medication - If you take daily medication, take your morning dose upon arising with one or two sips of water as directed by your physician.  Diabetic patients who take insulin or oral diabetes medication should not take their morning dose.  If you require insulin, it will be given after you arrive at the hospital. 

Attire - Wear loose, comfortable clothing.  Do not wear pantyhose, jewelry, make-up or nail polish.  Leave all valuables and money at home.  Remove all body piercing prior to arrival at the hospital.  Only personal care items are needed if you plan to stay overnight.

Physical Status - If a change in your physical status develops (persistent cough, fever or an important change in the conditions you are having surgery for) notify your surgeon.

When You Arrive

After you arrive at the Surgery Center, an anesthesiologist will evaluate your general condition and answer your questions regarding anesthesia.

After Surgery

Inpatients:  You will be observed in the Phase I recovery after surgery.  Your family will accompany you to your room after visiting with the surgeon.

Outpatients:  You will be observed in the Phase I and/or Phase II recovery after surgery.  You will remain in the Phase II recovery until you are discharged.  A relative/friend may wait with you in your room or remain in the Surgery Center waiting room.

An adult must accompany you home from the hospital.  This arrangement must be made prior to your surgery.  You will not be allowed to drive yourself home or go unaccompanied by public transportation after anesthesia has been administered.  You must have an adult in constant attendance for (at least) 24 hours after your surgery. 

There are numerous reasons why your surgeon and anesthesiologist may advise you to be admitted to the hospital after surgery.  Arrange your schedule to accommodate possible admission. 

Each patient is unique so specific questions about surgery should be discussed with your physician or surgeon.

PASE

Phone

(319) 398-6211

Hours  

Monday - Friday 8:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

After Hours

After hours call (319) 398-6092

How much do you know about surgery?

Our Perioperative Quiz covers common operating room surgical tools, surgical terms and procedures and Joint Commission topics.

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