Screen - Access resources - Follow up - Elective surgery SAFE
What to do after you elected to proceed with surgery?
Thank you for choosing the Boston Medical Center Orthopedic Department for your surgical procedure. We look forward to providing you the best care possible.
We want you to have a successful surgery and a speedy recovery. In order to do this, you will need to come to BMC for at least one more appointment, but possibly a couple, before moving forward with surgery. These appointments will be scheduled before your surgical date.
During this initial pre-surgery appointment, you will meet with a nurse practitioner (NP) or a physician assistant (PA) to review your past medical history and surgical history. This provider will determine if you need further follow-up appointments with your PCP, cardiologist, or other specialist.
These appointments are for your safety. The NP or PA you meet with will work closely with your surgeon to ensure that you are medically ready for surgery.
For your pre-surgery appointments, remember to bring an up-to-date and complete list of your current medications. We will also need information regarding your past surgeries or medical problems.
Below are some areas that may have an impact on your surgical date or the outcome of your
surgery:
| Medications/Allergies/Medical History | Current Use of Anticoagulation Medicine/Contraindications | Primary Care Doctor/Dentist – Visit within 1 year before elective surgery |
| Respiratory/COPD/Asthma | Sleep Apnea / STOP BANG > or = 3 | Hypertension/High Blood Pressure |
| Cardiovascular Issues | Abnormal EKG | Diabetes/HgBA1C |
| Renal/Serum Creatinine | Anemia | Sickle Cell Anemia |
| History of Blood Clots/DVT/PE | Nutrition (BMI Above 40 or Below 18) | Vitamin D Deficiency |
| Staph Aureus Colonization + all Total Joint patients | HIV | Hepatitis C |
| Homelessness | Mental Health Diagnosis | Chronic Pain/Opioid Use |
| Current Smoker | Active Alcohol or Substance Abuse | Incarcerated |