Pre-Op Appointments for Spine Surgery

Before surgery, you will have several appointments. These visits help the care team get ready and make sure you are prepared.

Visit with the Surgeon

Leading up to surgery, you will meet with your surgeon for a pre-operative clinic visit. The surgeon will review the surgery plan and answer any questions you may have. Spine x-rays may also be done to help with surgical planning.

Physical Exam with Your Primary Care Provider

Within 30 days before surgery, you will need to have a physical with your primary care provider. The provider will review your medical history and complete lab tests, if needed.

Psychology Visit

Our psychology team can meet with you and your family to help you prepare for surgery, hospitalization, and recovery. This visit may include:

• Talking about pain, sleep, mood, and behavior
• Discussing school and family routines
• Helping you understand surgery and recovery
• Finding ways to cope and reduce stress

Child Life Visit and Hospital Tour

Our child life team can meet with you to help you feel more comfortable about the hospital stay. This visit may include:

• Showing and explaining medical equipment you may use
• Talking about what you might feel worried about
• Teaching coping skills using age-appropriate activities (like medical play)
• Offering a tour of the hospital, if you’d like one

Virtual Visit with RN Spine Coordinator

About 1 month before surgery, you’ll have a virtual visit with the RN Spine Coordinator. The coordinator will:

• Make sure all appointments and tests are scheduled
• Explain what to expect before and after surgery
• Help with school, work, or activity forms
• Answer your questions

They will continue to support you through recovery until your first follow-up visit.

PrePARE (Presurgical Patient Assessment and Risk Evaluation) Appointment

3-6 months before surgery, you will have a PrePARE appointment with our complex care pediatrics team. Our pediatrics team will:

• Thoroughly discuss any medical conditions that could affect recovery, such as respiratory problems or nutrition issues
• Order a comprehensive set of lab tests

The PrePARE team works with the surgical team, specialists (more info below) and your primary health care provider.

Physical Therapy Evaluation

At this visit, the Physical Therapy team will:

• Explain movement restrictions after surgery
• Talk about transfers, positioning, and equipment
• Help you plan for any equipment you may need at home

This appointment can be virtual or happen with your Complex Spine Pre-Op Clinic (CSPOC) appointment.

Complex Spine Pre-Op Clinic (CSPOC) Visit

If you had a PrePARE appointment, then 1-2 weeks before surgery, you will meet with the CSPOC Clinic (Complex Spine Pre-Op Clinic) to have this final pre-op visit with a spine provider. This visit includes:

• Reviewing what happens before, during, and after surgery
• Completing any needed blood or urine tests. For patients who cannot use the toilet, but are diapered, we will collect urine via straight catheter to prevent contamination.

Specialist Visits (if needed)

If you have other health conditions, you may need to see specialists, such as heart or lung doctors, before surgery. This helps make sure it’s safe to proceed with surgery. You can see your regular specialist(s) for these visits or our Complex Care Pediatricians can put in a referral during the PrePARE appointment.

This information is for educational purposes only. It is not intended to replace the advice of your health care providers. If you have any questions, talk with your doctor or others on your health care team. If you are a Gillette patient with urgent questions or concerns, please contact the Nurse Help Line at 651-229-3890.