Pre-Operative Medical Clearances

When you have health issues, such as diabetes, heart or respiratory problems, have poor health in general or are of advanced age, we require that you get medical clearances confirming you are healthy enough to have surgery.  Your OSC Spine Physician, Physician Assistant or Surgery Scheduler will advise you on which clearances you will need.

How do you get a surgical clearance? 

OSC will send a Surgery Clearance Form to your treating specialist(s) or Primary Care Physician.  On this form, your physician needs to affirm that you are healthy enough to withstand anesthesia and have the recommended surgery, taking into account any health issues you have or for which you are been treated.  If you have not been seen recently, you may have to be seen by the appropriate physician so that he/she can confirm your state of health.

If an appointment is necessary, it is recommended that you see your treating physician(s) immediately after your surgery is scheduled, in order to allow enough time for these clearances to be obtained.  If you are having difficulty obtaining your clearances, please notify your OSC Surgery Scheduler as soon as possible, so that we may assist you.  Failure to obtain the required clearances will result in the postponement or cancellation of your surgery.

Taking Prescription/OTC Medications Before Surgery

Because of the effect that some medications have on your blood or immune system, it is important that they be stopped before having surgery, so that your body chemistry can return to normal. It is important that you discuss ALL drugs, vitamins or supplements, creams or gels, medication patches with your physician BEFORE surgery.

We request that you stop taking the following drugs 7 days prior to surgery:

OTC (over-the-counter) anti-inflammatory medications:

• Aspirin
• Ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil)
• Naproxen Sodium (Aleve)

Prescription Anti-Inflammatory Medications, including but not limited to:

• Anaprox
• Celebrex
• Clinoril
• Daypro
• Dolobid
• Feldene
• Indocin
• Lodine
• Mobic
• Naprosyn
• Toradol
• Vinovo
• Voltaren
• Voltaren Gel

Blood-thinning medications, including but not limited to:

• Heparin
• Coumadin
• Warfarin
• Plavix
• Lovenox
• Aspirin
• Fish Oil Capsules

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