Medical Clearance

[Joe.s 15]

My surgeon called me this morning to tell me the hospital wants medical clearance for surgery from my primary care Dr. The receptionist told me she was calling them as soon as his office opened and would call me back.She just wanted to let me know this was going on. Did this happen to anyone else? And shouldn't this have been figured out way before now im schedule for surgery in two days. I hope this doesn't delay things.

[my3stars 88]

My surgery is on 8/20 and I knew over two months ago i needed it, it is usually scheduled two weeks prior to surgery. This would be a nightmare for me if they would tell me this at rhe last minute! I believe this is a requirement for any surgery so they should have known this!

[Winter84 35]

I had to have one, I would call my primary doctor and make appointment just incase , you are to close for set backs.

[Joe.s 15]

I called him and he asked if i had done all the blood work and pre op testing and i said that i had so he told me id be cleared by him. then when i called the surgeon back she said that she tried to call and just got a recording so she left a message and faxed him all my test results and the form he needed to sign. my Dr is old and slow i hope he gets it done today..

[Joe.s 15]

And I've been on this damn clear liquid diet. it better go through lol

[BBdoodle 483]

I had to get a "support" letter from my general physician. He was all for me having surgery but it was his staff that did the writing for him who dragged their feet. I wrote the letter made an appointment and made him sign it in front of me and took it with me. My surgeons surgical coordinators made sure I had all me ducks in a row BEFORE they even submitted everything for insurance approval. I had a check list of everything I needed done before the submit to insurance. I got cleared within a week and a half for surgery. It feels like they make you jump thru hoops to get this surgery - arrrghhhh !!!

[Joe.s 15]

i had a letter od recommendation from my Dr months ago it was one of the first things i had to do. I've done everything and now the hospital wants clearance. its not even my surgeon its the hospital.

[Winter84 35]

And I've been on this damn clear liquid diet. it better go through lol

I trust me I know what that's like my day was sent for may 15, was on that liquid diet , went to the doctor on may 14th and notice my doctor has His finger wrap up and he tells me I can't do your surgery tomorrow cause his having surgery. So finally got mine done on July 10th, I had to make sure his finger was workin right before he worked on me.

[BBdoodle 483]

I have never heard of "hospital clearance". If you go for your pre-op. testing at the hospital that is kind of your clearance. The surgeon insures the hospital that all the protocols have been met for surgery, its like the hospital is renting the space/OR out so he can use the facility. Of course the hospital makes $$$ from the insurance.

[rabrijumo 140]

Hi, I am actually an RN working in pst that's pre surgical testing. Medical clearence and H&P history and physical are a very standard requirement of hospitals pre op. that being said if you are young ie under 70 years old the requirement is Not as stringent. Your surgeon could do the h&p on day of surgery. Any comorbidities though and your pcp must " clear" you for surgery within 30 days of surgery.

I need both a cardiac and medical clearence. Hope you can scramble and get into your pcp tomorrow. Get a copy from him immediate in fact if you get an appointment write up a form that says the following

Pt name: insert your name

DOB: Insert birthday

History: leave 1/2 page

Physical: leave 1/2 page

Patient is cleared for surgery _____yes____no

MD name

MD signature____________________________

[Joe.s 15]

Thanks its all cleared up now my pcp faxed everything over this afternoon thank god. I have to be at the hosp at 6:30am Friday morning surgery at 8:30 am excited and a little scared lol

[Ellie_Grace 271]

Congrats and best of luck on a safe surgery and swift recovery. Keep up posted!

[DLCoggin 1,788]

It is my understanding that requiring the PCP to write a "letter of medical necessity" is pretty much a standard requirement by most insurance companies. Presumably the assumption is that it is the PCP, not the surgeon, who would be most familiar with your medical and weight loss/gain history. Other clearances such as, in my case, my cardiologist may also be necessary depending on your history.