Patients & Visitors

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.