Is it SOP for a neuro to send me back to PCP

[DIGGER]

for a check up and clearance before he does a revision surgery ?

[smashms]

if you have alot of serious health issues then yes. if not they may send you because of age.

[rfbdorf]

Sounds like it's a standard requirement.
I was required to have a general physical before they would do eye surgery on me earlier this year - SOP for the practice/hospital.
- Richard

[hlh]

absolutely.

[SCI-Nurse]

Yes, getting medical clearance for general health, and esp. heart health, is the standard of care for anyone with either multiple health issues, or due to age, prior to having surgery, esp. if anesthesia is required. Your PCP (I assume an internist, family practice physician, or GP) is better prepared to determine this than a surgeon.

(KLD)

[Sue Pendleton]

My Dad and I both got them this week. His for a cataract removal next week and the following week a few snips at me. The spouse will be busy driving us to and fro for a few days each time. I also got a liquid filled package of Hibiclens for my last shower pre-op to get as many germies off me a head of time. When the spouse had his hip replacement they gave him two sets of betadine imbedded wash clothes for his last 2 showers at home prior to surgery. They are getting serious about hospital acquired infections and possible several day intubations. I prefer these physicals to the infections.

[DIGGER]

I guess it's the time this is taking that's got me miffed! Neuro has had me get scans, labs, mri's and a biopsy that's pissed away 7 or 8 weeks and now a trip back to my pcp @ a 300 mile rnd trip for an eval that adds another 10 or so days. The ortho that found this problem said to go back to Dr that did the original surg. And time was critical to prevent further damage. FUK me

It just seemed to me that he had more info on me now than anyone and he could make the call. After all, he was an MD before a Neuro...

I fit the criteria. Up to a 6 hr surgery and over 60!

[smashms]

why is your PCP so far away from you!!?? I think you need another PCP

[DIGGER]

My PCP is where I live in super small town USA. When I got injured I was air lifted 150 mi to a level 1 trauma center for surgery with this neuro.

Its the time wasted that's got me pissy

[hlh]

I don't know your exact situation, but this doesn't sound like wasted time to me.

If you are considering a major spine surgery, this is an INCREDIBLY big deal. You absolutely should have all that testing done to be as sure as possible that it is the right thing to do. It is very risky at your age, with your other medical issues, to have a big surgery like this. These surgeries often do not work and you don't want to go down this road unless there really are no other options.

Geez, if you had something concerning enough that you needed a biopsy, you are lucky that you were able to get all of this completed in the time frame you did.

I also realize that you must be incredibly anxious, as I would be in your position. This makes each step, each test, each "delay" more stressful.

But remember it is your primary care doctor that needs to make sure your heart, lungs etc... are strong enough for surgery, while the neurologist/neurosurgeon is focused on the procedure itself. You must have a team of doctors planning for you, and unfortunately that often means a lot of tests. If you haven't had an EKG, a chest x-ray, an echocardiogram of the heart or a stress test, and possibly pulmonary function tests.... get ready.... Those are the tests your primary will be more concerned about. And that is the way it should be.

There is no way your neurosurgeon (or neurologist) should be making the pre-op evaluation themselves for you. It doesn't matter if at one time "years ago..." they were a ?general doctor... They are not qualified now. You should be glad that your doctors admit when some things are beyond their current expertise.

Good luck Digger. Hang in there. One step at a time.