We Make Sure You’re Ready

If you need surgery, a visit to the Preoperative Anesthesia Assessment Clinic (PAAC) is an important step you will take along this path of care.

The Freeman Preoperative Anesthesia Assessment Clinic (PAAC) is a clinic of Freeman Health System where important information about your health can be gathered before surgery. The Preoperative Anesthesia Assessment Clinic team includes anesthesiologists, advanced practitioners, nurses, nurse technicians and registration team who are responsible for making sure you are medically ready for your scheduled surgery. Your surgeon will schedule your appointment with our clinic, if you have not been scheduled for an appointment with the Preoperative Anesthesia Assessment Clinic, ask your physician to assist you in getting an appointment scheduled.

Frequently Asked Questions

We want your day of surgery to be safe and well-planned. PAAC is a clinic that prepares patients to undergo a safe and successful procedure. Your visit will provide your anesthesiology and surgery team with the necessary information to decide if you are medically ready for your scheduled surgery.

Occasionally, we discover an undiagnosed medical problem or a current medical condition that is not under control and may put your health at risk if you undergo surgery. If the team at PAAC finds that you are not medically ready for surgery, or that your medical condition is very complicated, we will discuss our evaluation with your surgeon and recommend the testing or treatment you should receive before and after your surgery.

In addition, PAAC clinicians work with patients’ physicians to help coordinate their surgical care with their other medical care. All this information becomes part of your medical record so that all your doctors and clinicians can provide you with the best care.

For patients that are referred to an appointment at PAAC, they will typically have their appointment within 30 days of their scheduled surgery.

  • Your medications or medication list, including the dose and how often you take them. Include all over the counter items – vitamins, herbs, aspirin, inhalers, etc.
  • Copies of any advanced testing (i.e. stress test or echocardiogram results), copies of any recent lab work, or contact information for the testing site. This is especially necessary if these records are from outside of Freeman Health System. 
  • Your implant/information card for implanted medical devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, stimulators, or blood vessel stents.
  • Take your medical history
  • Perform a physical examination
  • Perform a nursing assessment
  • Complete review of your medications and providing you instructions with what medications you should and should not take prior to your surgery. 
  • Review and/or order tests ordered by your surgeon or our PAAC clinicians. This can include, but is not limited to, laboratory orders and diagnostic testing. 
  • Educate you regarding the preparation necessary for your day of surgery. 
  • Answer any questions you may have about your upcoming surgery or about how your care will be influenced by any medical conditions you may have.

Depending upon your individualized needs, your PAAC appointment my last 30 minutes – 1 hour. If you need additional preoperative testing, we will assist you in getting this scheduled to ensure you have all necessary testing and information prior to your scheduled surgery.

  • Before surgery, if you do not have an appointment with the Pre-Anesthesia Clinic, you will receive a phone call by a registered nurse to discuss your health history, medications, and any questions you may have. This phone call usually occurs one to two days prior to surgery.
  • On the day of surgery, please bring your insurance card, co-pay/deductible and list of medications.
  • Your family will be allowed to stay or visit with you prior to surgery.
  • The staff will keep you as comfortable as possible before, during and after the procedure.
  • Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery unless directed by a physician or nurse- this includes water, hard candy, chewing gum or mints.
  • You may be instructed to take some medication with a small sip of water the morning of your surgery. Generally, these medications are for your heart, lungs, blood pressure or stomach. Medications that you can take before surgery will be discussed with you at your PAAC appointment. If you do not have a scheduled PAAC appointment, a nurse will call you one to two days before your surgery to review your medications with you. You may call (417) 347-1264 and speak to a registered nurse if you have questions.
  • Do not smoke 24 to 48 hours before your surgery.
  • Wear your glasses instead of contact lenses.
  • Leave all jewelry and valuables at home (please bring your insurance card and co-pay or deductible if this applies).
  • If you are going home the day of surgery, you must have someone drive you home.

Contact Us

For more information about our services or to refer a patient please call 417.347.1264.