Based on your health, age or the type of surgery you are having, a physical exam and certain tests are needed. Please schedule these tests and exams at least 21 days before your surgery. Preoperative testing must be done at least four business days before your surgery.

Testing may include:

• EKG
• Complete Blood Count (depending on surgery)
• Blood Chemistry (Patients 65 and older)
• Urine Pregnancy Test (Females 60 years or younger)
• History and Physical Exam

Before scheduling your tests, contact your surgeon or primary care doctor to see if these tests are needed. You may not have to have these tests if you have had a physical exam or some of these tests recently.

Pre-op Exam/Testing Locations:

For your convenience, Northwestern Memorial offers the following health exam/testing location options on one campus.

• Preoperative Assessment Service
  201 East Huron Street - Galter Pavilion
  5th Floor
  For information, call 312-926-4343
  To schedule an appointment, call 312-926-4566
  Walk-ins can expect at least a one hour wait
  Hours: Monday - Thursday 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
  Fridays 8:30 a.m. to 3 p.m.

You and your insurance company may be billed for the services and tests done by the Pre-Operative Assessment Service.

• Diagnostic Testing Center (DTC)
  675 N. St. Claire Street - Galter Pavilion
  2nd Floor - Suite 154
  For information, call 312-926-4200
  Hours: Monday - Friday 7 a.m. to 7 p.m.
  Saturday 7:30 a.m. to 12 noon
• Prentice Pre-op Clinic
  250 E. Superior Street
  6th floor
  To schedule an appointment, call 312-926-7000
  Hours: Monday, Wednesday and Thursday 7 a.m. to 3 p.m.
• Prentice Diagnostic Testing Center
  250 E. Superior Street
  5th floor
  To schedule an appointment, call 312-472-0507
  Hours: Monday - Friday 7 a.m. to 5 p.m.

The Pre-op assessment exam lasts about 40 to 60 minutes.
The surgeon may request that their patients meet with:

• An anesthesiologist
• Another specialist (based on their medical condition)

Bring the following to your pre-op appointment:

• Test order sheet from your surgeon's office
• Photo ID if you are having a Type and Screen or a Type and
• Crossmatch screening done for possible blood transfusions
• Health insurance information
• Medicare card (Medicare patients only)
• A list of all current medications, herbals and over-the-counter medicines including:
  • Dose
  • How often taken
  • Why you are taking it

Before your appointment

• You may eat, drink and take medications unless your doctor tells you not to

At your Pre-op exam

• You will be asked to complete a Health History form
• Our staff can explain your pre-surgical tests and procedures
• We will answer questions about what to expect during your hospital stay