Pre-Surgical Testing
The Pre-Surgery Services (PSS) department at CaroMont Regional Medical
Center is a unique unit that is dedicated to meeting the concerns of our
pre-operative and pre-procedure patients and their families. A routine
pre-surgical evaluation by a Registered Nurse may be needed in preparation
for surgery or a special procedure. Your physician will let you know if
this needs to be scheduled. Depending upon factors such as age and/or
previous medical history, the pre-surgical evaluation may be done either
in person or by telephone.
What is the Purpose of the Pre-Surgical Appointment?
During this appointment, a pre-surgical representative and a Registered
Nurse will perform a nursing assessment, obtain your medical history and
prepare your chart for your surgery. Depending on your surgery and health
history, you may need to have blood drawn (phlebotomy) for lab work, a
urinalysis and/or a heart rhythm study (EKG). You will also be given instructions
for the day of surgery and have the one-on-one opportunity with a nurse
to ask questions and ease concerns. This appointment can take anywhere
from 45-90 minutes.
How Should I Prepare for My Pre-Surgical Appointment?
On the day of your pre-surgical appointment, you will need to arrive at
your scheduled time and bring the following with you:
Please bring your surgery pack/orders, all medications including prescribed,
over-the-counter and herbs, driver's license, living will and/or healthcare
power of attorney and a form of payment.
Also, please have the following information available:
- A basic understanding of the surgery/procedure for which you are scheduled
for, any risks involved and the name of the procedure/surgery
- A list of any allergies (i.e., to medications, food, soaps, dyes, tape
and latex) and type of allergic responses
- Recent health problems (cold, flu, etc.)
- Chronic medical conditions (heart disease, diabetes, emphysema, etc.)
- Use of alcohol, tobacco or drugs
- Prior surgical procedures and anesthesia experiences
- All letters, test results, consent forms, physical examination report or
any other information from your surgeon, family doctor or medical consultant(s)
- You can help by letting us know if you have any special religious, cultural
or personal needs or any seeing, hearing or reading problems
- Your plan of how you will manage upon your discharge from the hospital
- The hospital does not require any special fasting prior to your pre-surgical
evaluation. Feel free to take your medications as usual before you come
for your appointment and wear comfortable clothing
Where Do I Report on the Day of My Appointment?
Pre-Surgery Services is located on the first floor of the Professional
Building, 2555 Court Drive, Suite 100, Gastonia, North Carolina. The Outpatient
Lab (OPL) is also at this location.
How Do I Contact You? What Happens if I Cannot Attend My Appointment?
If you need to contact us prior to your appointment, or if your appointment
needs to be rescheduled or canceled, please contact us using the information
listed below.
PSS Hours: 8:00 a.m. - 6:00 p.m., Monday - Friday
PSS Phone: 704.834.4335
PSS Fax: 704.834.4343
OPL Hours: 6:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m., Monday - Friday
OPL Phone: 704.834.4335
OPL Fax: 704.834.2778
The Day Before Surgery
The Surgery Department will call you on the day before your surgery/procedure
to tell you what time you should arrive. If you have not been contacted
by 3:00 p.m. on the day before your surgery/procedure, please call 704.834.2821
to confirm your arrival time.
The Day of Surgery
Follow the instructions that will be given to you at your pre-surgical
appointment and report to the surgery location.