Before surgery, it is important to schedule a pre-anesthesia screening to ensure a safe procedure. MaineHealth provides expert pre-anesthesia screenings so you and your family are well-prepared for surgery.
What is a pre-anesthesia screening?
During some surgical procedures, your doctor may give you medicine called anesthesia, which reduces or prevents pain. A pre-anesthesia screening helps identify any possible risks before you receive the anesthesia and determines which type of anesthesia is best for you.
Pre-anesthesia screening instructions
After scheduling and pre-registering for surgery, the pre-admission screening office will schedule your appointment to speak with an anesthesia nurse practitioner and a pre-operative nurse (in person or over the phone) about a week before your surgery. During this call or appointment, a nurse will ask you about:
- Names, doses, and times of your medications
- Allergies
- Health problems
It is very important to gather and share complete information about your health history and your family's health history (especially any issues with anesthesia and allergies) with the anesthesiologist and surgery team. You will also need to let your surgeon know if you are on blood thinners; if you have a cold or fever; and whether there has been a change in your medical condition in the week before your surgery.
Pre-operative Readiness Education Program (PREP)
The MaineHealth Maine Medical Center Pre-operative Readiness Education Program (PREP) helps you and your family prepare for surgery in Southern Maine.
