 DIVISION
OF MEDICINE Department of General Internal Medicine |
9500 Euclid Ave, Cleveland, OH 44195 |
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The Impact Center and Hospital Medicine
YOUR PRE-SURGERY VISIT TO THE IMPACT CENTER YOUR CARE at the Cleveland Clinic Foundation begins with your first appointment and extends to your complete recovery. If you need surgery, a visit to the IMPACT (Internal Medicine Perioperative Assessment, Consultation and Treatment) Center is one of the most important steps you will take along this path of care. Here are answers to some of the questions you may have about the IMPACT Center. If you have further questions, please contact us at (216)444-5665. What is the IMPACT Center?The IMPACT Center is a place where important information about your health can be gathered before surgery. Your surgeon will use this information to make sure you are in the best physical condition possible to undergo surgery. Your anesthesia doctor will use this information to plan for the type of anesthesia you will receive. By taking this step, you can lessen your risks of developing complications as a result of surgery. What can I expect during my appointment at the IMPACT Center?During your appointment at the IMPACT Center, a health care provider will:
A health care provider will begin by asking you about your past and current health, your family’s medical history, and any medications you are taking or have taken recently. You will also be asked if you have ever had surgery or developed problems from surgery or pain medications (anesthesia). Next, you will be given a physical examination that checks the important body systems. The examination may include a blood test, urine test or other tests ordered by your doctor. Finally, your medical records and test results will be reviewed. Will you have enough information to know if I am ready for surgery?In most cases, your visit will provide the IMPACT Center with enough information to know if you are ready for surgery. Rarely, the IMPACT Center will find symptoms of an underlying problem that needs to be needs to be looked at more closely. If your evaluation shows signs of a previously unrecognized problem, the IMPACT Center may order more tests to find the cause of your symptoms. Can I get more tests right away?If there is enough time, the IMPACT Center can order more tests so that your surgery will not be delayed. These tests may be preformed at The Cleveland Clinic Foundation or we may ask you to return to your regular doctor. Will my surgery be delayed for any reason?In most cases, surgery will not be delayed. However, even a simple problem like the common cold can make surgery less safe. Other times, tests may show that an existing medical condition such as high blood pressure or diabetes is poorly controlled. If you have a poorly controlled condition, the IMPACT Center may start treatment to improve your health and check you again in time for surgery. Or, you may be asked to return to your regular doctor for more treatment. The IMPACT Center will inform you and your doctor about any conditions that require treatment before surgery. What if my medical condition is very complicated or I am not ready for surgery?If the IMPACT Center finds that you are not medically ready for surgery or your medical condition is very complicated, we will discuss our evaluation with your surgeon. You and your surgeon can then decide whether surgery is right for you at this time. The IMPACT Center will recommend the treatment you should receive before and after your surgery. This information becomes part of your medical record and will be referred to throughout your care. What to Bring to Your AppointmentPlease remember to bring the following items to your appointment at the IMPACT Center: Any medications you are taking or a list of current medications If you have received care at another facility, please bring a copy of your medical records and tests. Any X-rays and results from cardiology tests, such as stress tests and electrocardiograms (EKGs, ECGs), are especially important. Please RememberIf you have any questions or concerns, please call the appointment desk at (216) 444-5665. |
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