Preoperative Evalutation

Preoperative Evalutation services offered in Santa Monica, CA

Preoperative evaluation is a crucial step in ensuring that surgery is as safe as possible for you. At Commons Clinic in Santa Monica, California, Jenica L. Ortega, MD, provides thorough preoperative evaluations to help assess your overall health, review your medications, and identify any risks before you undergo a procedure. By coordinating closely with your surgical team, Dr. Ortega ensures you are medically optimized for surgery and recovery. If you’re scheduled for an operation, call the office or schedule your preoperative evaluation online today.

Preoperative Evalutation Q & A

What is a preoperative evaluation?

A preoperative evaluation (sometimes called “pre-op clearance”) is a medical assessment performed before surgery. Its goal is to make sure your body is ready for anesthesia and the planned procedure, and to lower the risk of complications.

During a preoperative evaluation, Dr. Ortega reviews your:

Medical history and past surgeries
Current medications and supplements
Allergies, including reactions to anesthesia or medications
Lifestyle factors, such as smoking, alcohol use, and activity level
Family history of heart disease, bleeding problems, or anesthesia complications

Based on this information and any necessary testing, she provides a formal recommendation to your surgeon about your readiness for surgery.

Who needs a preoperative evaluation?

Most people having surgery can benefit from a preoperative evaluation, especially if:

You’re having a procedure that requires general or regional anesthesia
You have a history of heart, lung, kidney, or metabolic conditions (like diabetes or high blood pressure)
You take blood thinners or multiple daily medications
You’re older than 50 or have limited activity tolerance
You’ve had problems with anesthesia in the past

Even if you feel well, underlying conditions can affect how your body responds to surgery. A pre-op visit helps identify and address these issues in advance.

What happens during a preoperative evaluation?

Dr. Ortega tailors each pre-op visit to your health needs and the type of surgery, but your evaluation may include:

Detailed medical history and physical exam
Vital signs check, including blood pressure, heart rate, and oxygen level
Electrocardiogram (EKG/ECG) to assess heart rhythm
Laboratory tests, such as blood counts, kidney and liver function, and blood sugar levels
Imaging, like a chest X-ray, if indicated
Medication review and optimization, including guidance on which medications to stop or adjust before surgery

She also discusses anesthesia considerations, reviews fasting instructions, and answers any questions you or your family may have so you feel informed and prepared.

How does Dr. Ortega help reduce surgical risks?

After completing your evaluation, Dr. Ortega:

Communicates her findings and recommendations to your surgical team
Adjusts medications that may increase bleeding or interact with anesthesia
Helps stabilize conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes, or asthma before your procedure
Recommends further testing or specialist referrals (such as cardiology or pulmonology) if needed

Her goal is to support a smoother surgery and recovery while minimizing complications.

If you’re scheduled for surgery, don’t wait until the last minute. Call Dr. Ortega or book your preoperative evaluation online today.