Preoperative Clearance

Prior to your child’s surgery, it is likely that he or she will be scheduled for a preoperative medical clearance appointment with one of our board-certified pediatricians.

• The pediatric pre-admission testing department is open Monday through Friday with appointments for preoperative medical clearance scheduled between the hours of 8am and 1pm.  The department is located at Hospital for Special Surgery, 535 East 70th Street, in the main hospital building on the 5th floor “5-West Pediatric Outpatient” unit.  The telephone number is 212.774.7182.
• A parent or documented legal guardian must accompany the child to the preoperative clearance appointment.  If you are the child’s legal guardian, you must provide official documentation.
• Please allow approximately three hours for this comprehensive preoperative clearance visit. 
• If your child is not having surgery on the day of the preoperative clearance appointment, there is no need for the child to fast (not eat) for the appointment, and you may bring snacks for your child.
• You will be required to complete the Pediatric Patient Database to inform us of your child’s medical history.
  If your child is having spine surgery, you will need to complete the SRS-22 form.
• A copy of your child’s immunization record is required on the day of your preoperative clearance visit.  You may bring a copy with you, or you may fax it anytime before your preoperative clearance appointment.  Our fax number is 212.606.1614; you may have it sent to Dr. Cha and/or Dr. Perlman’s attention.  Please advise our department of any special circumstances concerning your child’s immunizations before your appointment.
• If your child has seen a specialist for any health conditions, please let the orthopedic surgeon’s office, and the pediatric clearance nursing and medical staff know.  Please have the name, phone numbers, and any other medical documentation from the specialists available on the day of your appointment.
• Bring a list of medications (both prescription and over-the-counter) that your child is currently taking.  Please include the dosage and how often he or she takes the medication.
• For some procedures, you will be asked about blood donation.  In some cases, the patient will be able to donate blood for themselves, and in others, a family member can donate on their behalf.  If this is the case, the patient’s blood type is helpful to have so that appropriate family members can be identified.  If you interested in this option, please contact your surgeon’s office at least 3 weeks before the scheduled procedure.
• Please inform your orthopedic surgeon’s office if you need an interpreter before your appointment date, and one will be arranged for you.