Pre-Admission Testing Clinic at Ingalls Memorial
The Pre-Admission Testing (PAT) Clinic at the University of Chicago Medicine Ingalls Memorial provides convenient, excellent care by evaluating patients for surgical clearance days before their procedure.
What is the PAT Clinic?
Our PAT Clinic aims to:
- Enhance the comfort and safety of patients before surgery
- Coordinate care with the patient's perioperative team
- Provide the most efficient and excellent care by avoiding unnecessary preoperative testing
- Minimize preventable day-of surgery cancellations or delays
Who should visit the PAT Clinic?
- Individuals who either do not have a primary care physician (PCP), cannot schedule a visit with their PCP before surgery or those with chronic or serious health conditions to ensure a safe and successful surgery.
Why visit the PAT Clinic?
- Timely evaluation before surgery gives you the opportunity to discuss the anesthesia plan, learn potential risks or complications in a relaxed environment. This opportunity has been shown to significantly reduce preoperative anxiety.
- Preoperative tests and exams can help prevent delays or cancelations on the day of surgery.
When should I make an appointment?
- When your surgery is scheduled, you should seek an appointment with your PCP or the PAT Clinic. In general, it is recommended that an appointment be scheduled at least 1 to 4 weeks prior to the surgery to ensure that the necessary testing or evaluations are completed to avoid delays.
What happens when I arrive at the PAT Clinic?
- You will meet with various members of the preoperative care team, including advanced practice nurses, registered nurses and anesthesiologists.
- Our medical team will conduct a comprehensive review of your medical history, provide a physical examination, and order necessary diagnostic tests to identify current and pre-existing health conditions and previous surgeries. The provider will discuss your anesthesia plan, potential risks, and any known anesthesia-related complications. Additional testing might be required to provide clearance for your surgical procedure and can be performed in our clinic.
- We will ensure all preoperative tests and clearances are completed and coordinate with specialists if further evaluation is required (e.g., cardiac clearance).
- Our team will address any questions or concerns you may have while educating you on what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
How long will the visit last?
- The visit may take 45 minutes for generally healthy patients and up to over 2 hours for medically complex patients.
What information do I bring to my visit?
- Government issued photo ID and Medical Insurance Card
- Bring a list of any medications, including herbal or vitamin supplements you’re currently taking.
Scheduling and location
- To schedule, please call 708-915-4589. The PAT Clinic is located on the main floor of UChicago Medicine’s Ingalls Memorial Hospital - adjacent from the registration desk, where patients will check in upon arrival. Clinic hours are 9am-5pm.
