Preparing for surgery? See the required tests, ideal timeline, and where to schedule pre-op medical clearance in Los Angeles.

About This Health Article

This comprehensive health guide is brought to you by the medical professionals at Elevate Health Group, a leading primary care practice serving Glendale, Burbank, and La Canada, California. Our team of board-certified physicians and experienced healthcare providers is dedicated to providing you with accurate, evidence-based health information to help you make informed decisions about your healthcare and wellness.

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Physician performing pre-op medical clearance exam before surgery

Pre-Op Clearance Guide: Required Tests, Timeline and Where to Schedule in LA

JULY 29, 2026

Reviewed by Dr. Narbeh Tovmassian, MD, FACP

3 MIN READ

Most surgeons will not schedule a procedure until you have medical clearance confirming you are healthy enough for surgery and anesthesia. Pre-op clearance is not a formality. It is a genuine safety check that can catch issues, such as an irregular heart rhythm or an undiagnosed blood condition, before they become a problem in the operating room.

Elevate Health Group provides pre-surgery checkups across Glendale, Burbank, and La Cañada, coordinating directly with your surgical team.

What Tests Are Included in a Pre-Op Clearance

Test	What It Checks
Complete blood count (CBC)	Overall blood health, including signs of anemia or infection
Comprehensive metabolic panel	Kidney function, liver function, and electrolyte balance
Electrocardiogram (EKG)	Heart rhythm and electrical activity
Chest X-ray	Lung and heart structure, when indicated by your surgery type
Coagulation studies	Blood clotting function, particularly for patients on blood thinners

Your provider will customize this list based on your age, existing medical conditions, and the type of surgery you are having, so not every patient needs every test on this list.

Timeline: When to Schedule Your Pre-Op Appointment

Most surgeons recommend scheduling pre-op clearance one to two weeks before your surgery date. This window allows enough time to complete testing, receive results, and address any concerns before your procedure, without the results being so old that they no longer reflect your current health status.

If you have multiple medical conditions or a more complex surgery planned, your provider may recommend scheduling clearance even earlier to allow time for medical optimization if any issues come up.

What to Bring to Your Pre-Op Appointment

A complete list of current medications, including dosages and frequency
Insurance card and photo identification
Previous medical records, test results, and imaging studies
A list of known allergies and previous adverse reactions
Details about your planned surgical procedure and your surgeon's contact information

What Happens if Your Clearance Reveals a Concern

If testing identifies a health concern, your provider communicates directly with your surgeon and develops a plan to address it before surgery proceeds. This might mean adjusting a medication, treating an underlying condition, or in some cases recommending the surgery be delayed until you are medically optimized. The goal is to catch issues early rather than in the operating room.

Where to Schedule Pre-Op Clearance in Los Angeles

Pre-op clearance is available at our Glendale, Burbank, and La Cañada offices. If your surgery requires chest imaging, you can also read about our on-site X-ray services, which allow same-day results without an outside referral.

Frequently Asked Questions

How far in advance should I schedule my pre-op checkup?

One to two weeks before your surgery date is typical, though your provider may recommend earlier scheduling for more complex surgeries or existing medical conditions.

Will my results be sent directly to my surgeon?

Yes. Your provider coordinates directly with your surgical team to ensure your clearance documentation and test results reach them ahead of your procedure.

Is pre-op clearance covered by insurance?

Pre-op clearance is generally billed as a standard office visit with associated diagnostic testing, and is typically covered under most major insurance plans, subject to your copay or coinsurance.

What if I cannot get an appointment in time before my surgery date?

Same-week appointments are available across our three locations, which generally allows enough flexibility to fit clearance into a one to two week pre-surgery window.

Ready to Schedule Your Pre-Op Clearance?

Do not leave surgical clearance until the last minute. Elevate Health Group offers comprehensive pre-op checkups across Glendale, Burbank, and La Cañada with coordination directly with your surgical team.

Call (818) 246-8000 or contact us online to schedule your appointment.

July 29, 2026