Pre-Admission Testing
Preparation, Assessment and Testing
The Pre-Admission Department is dedicated to meeting the concerns of our pre-operative patients and their families. A visit to Pre-Admission Testing (PAT) gives each patient having surgery at St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center, the opportunity to incorporate all testing, health history reviews and teaching into one visit.
Department Tests
At Pre-Admission Testing, we provide professional blood drawing (phlebotomy), urinalysis and heart rhythm studies (EKG) for any patient having procedures and/or surgery at St. Joseph's. If possible, these studies should be done at least five days before your scheduled surgery so that we may analyze the results. Patients will also be provided with a health history screening. Pre-operative teaching is done, as well as coordination of specific ancillary services on an individual basis. For example, if a patient needs additional tests, such as chest X-ray, pulmonary function tests, vein mapping, etc., these visits will be coordinated along with your PAT visit.
Our tests include:
- Blood drawing (phlebotomy) EKG studies
- Health history screening
- Peri-operative teaching by a licensed registered nurse
- Coordination of specific ancillary services on an individual basis
Pre-Operative Classes
The thought of surgery may be very stressful and confusing. This stress response cannot only be uncomfortable, but can undermine the body's immune system necessary for wound healing and recovery. We offer pre-operative classes for specific surgeries to help our patients remain calm before surgery as well as teach them how to participate in the healing process to promote a faster recovery. To view a full list of available classes, click here.
What the Patient Should Expect
YOU DO NOT NEED TO FAST UNLESS YOUR DOCTOR SPECIFICALLY TOLD YOU TO FAST.
BRING A LIST OF YOUR MEDICATIONS OR THE BOTTLES WITH YOU.
TAKE YOUR NORMAL MEDICATIONS ON THE DAY OF PRE-ADMISSION TESTING.
EXPECT TO BE AT PAT FOR 90-120 MINUTES.
PARKING IS NOT VALIDATED.
IF A CHEST X-RAY OR ADDITIONAL TESTS ARE ORDERED, IT MAY INCREASE THE LENGTH OF YOUR APPOINTMENT.
FAQ
Q: DO I NEED TO FAST FOR MY BLOOD WORK?
A: No, not unless your doctor specifically tells you to fast.
Q: HOW LONG WILL THE PRE-ADMISSION TESTING VISIT TAKE?
A: Once you are in an exam room, it will take up to 90 minutes. If you are scheduled for a class during your visit, plan on a timeframe of three to four hours at the most.
Q: WHAT WILL I DO WHILE I AM WAITING TO BE SEEN?
A: The waiting room is equipped with a television, and there are several magazines to read.
Q: WILL PRE-ADMISSION TESTING CALL ME BEFORE MY VISIT?
A: You may receive a telephone call from the St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center Business Office the evening before your visit to obtain insurance information.
Q: DO I NEED TO BRING ANYTHING WITH ME?
A: Bring all of your medications with you and your Health Care Proxy if you have one.
Q: HOW DOES ST. JOSEPH'S ENSURE MY PRIVACY AND CONFIDENTIALITY?
A: Patient information is confidential. Consistent with federal and New York state regulations, all patients have the right to confidentiality of information and records regarding their care. St. Joseph's Hospital Health Center medical staff and hospital staff have the responsibility to keep patient information and records confidential, secure and free from unauthorized access. This applies to patient information in the paper medical record, electronic medical record and verbal communications regarding the patient.