Pre-operative Consultation
Preparing you for surgery
Pre-operative Consultation
Also known as a pre-surgical assessment or preoperative cardiac evaluation
This consultation will be conducted by one of our cardiologists, who will review your medical history and test results to assess potential risks. They will prepare your surgical team with vital information about your heart’s condition, particularly for patients with pre-existing conditions undergoing major surgery. Additionally, this consultation offers you the opportunity to ask questions and ensure you feel well-informed and confident about your upcoming procedure.
Preparing for your visit
What you need for your appointment
- When booking your appointment, please ensure you have a referral letter from your GP or specialist if you would like to claim Medicare reimbursement.
GP Referrals: Valid for 12 months. You’ll need a new referral for review appointments after this period.
Specialist Referrals: Valid for 3 months. After that, a new referral from your GP is usually required. - Any relevant medical records, including past test results, medications, or reports from previous cardiac evaluations.
- A list of current medications, including dosages, as well as any known allergies.
- Information about the surgery you’re scheduled for, including the type of procedure and the name of your surgeon.
- Any questions or concerns you may have about the process.
What happens on the day of your appointment?
- We recommend arriving 5-10 minutes early. Please note that we strive to see patients within 20 minutes of their scheduled time, but delays can occasionally occur due to emergencies or extended consultations. If your doctor has requested an urgent review, please inform our reception staff so we can prioritise your care.
- Vital Signs Monitoring: A nurse or medical assistant will measure your blood pressure, heart rate, and possibly take an electrocardiogram (ECG) to record your heart’s electrical activity.
What happens during the consultation?
- Detailed Health Evaluation: The cardiologist will ask questions about your overall health, your current medications, and your heart health. They will also discuss the type of surgery you are scheduled to undergo.
- Physical Examination: You may undergo a physical exam, where the cardiologist listens to your heart and lungs and checks for signs of fluid retention or other issues.
- Diagnostic Testing: Depending on your condition, additional diagnostic tests such as an ECG, echocardiogram, or blood tests may be ordered to assess how well your heart is functioning. These tests help evaluate whether you are fit for surgery.
- Risk Assessment: Based on your health history, the cardiologist will provide a risk assessment that outlines any potential complications related to your heart during the surgery and offer recommendations to minimize those risks.
- We encourage you to use this time to clarify any questions or concerns about the surgery.
What happens after the appointment to prepare for surgery?
- Clearance or Recommendations: The cardiologist will either provide clearance for surgery or suggest additional steps, such as medication adjustments or further tests, to better manage any potential cardiac risks.
- Coordination with the Surgical Team: Your cardiologist will communicate the results of your consultation and any recommendations to your surgeon or the hospital team.
- Follow-Up Care: In some cases, the cardiologist may recommend follow-up appointments to monitor your heart health leading up to the surgery. You will also receive instructions on any pre-operative preparations, such as medication changes or lifestyle adjustments.
