We're Expanding Pre-Surgical Testing and Optimization

To improve access to care and streamline pre-surgical assessment and optimization, we have expanded our Pre-Surgical Testing center into a larger, more comprehensive Peri-Operative Surgical Home (PSH).

In addition to pre-surgical testing, the PSH offers specialized pre-operative care that follows standardized, evidence-based guidelines. 

The goals of the PSH are to:

• Improve quality outcomes
• Improve efficiency
• Improve the patient and practitioner experience

A few of the quality outcomes this initiative will address are:

• Length of stay
• Low-value testing
• Same-day cancellation

Currently, risk factors found through pre-surgical testing must be addressed by the patient's primary care practitioner or another clinician before the operation can take place.

At the PSH, advanced care practitioners (ACPs) will manage risk factors centrally under the supervision of Hospital Medicine physicians. This centralized approach will minimize the need for multiple calls, messaging and appointments with primary care practitioners.

ACPs will also be available to see higher risk patients for pre-operative optimization consultations. 

Initially, the PSH will work with selected patients in Orthopaedics and General Surgery. We plan to expand to include other specialties in time.

The PSH team will stay in communication with patients' primary care practitioners and others on their care teams.

If you have questions, please contact one of the following:

• Natalie Klawonn, M.D., Section of Hospital Medicine, at nkklawonn@carilionclinic.org
• A Lucktong, M.D., Department of Surgery, at talucktong@carilionclinic.org
• Joseph Moskal, M.D., Department of Orthopaedic Surgery, at jtmoskal@carilionclinic.org