Frequently Asked Questions Related to Your Pre-admission Testing

Whether your surgery is scheduled at Rhode Island Hospital or The Miriam, your pre-admission testing visit will be at the Lifespan Ambulatory Care Center, 208 Collyer Street, Suite 300, Third Floor, Providence, Rhode Island.

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• Free parking is available at the front entrance of the building.
• Upon arrival, please check in at the registration desk.
• If you need to change or cancel your pre-admission appointment for any reason, please call 401-793-2960, Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Pre-admission testing is a necessary step to ensure your health and safety before you undergo any surgical procedure. It is typically conducted within 30 days leading up to surgery. The optimal testing time should take place between two and four weeks prior to surgery to allow adequate time for results. Some surgeries require an in-person appointment or a phone appointment. 

• Please bring a detailed list of all medications or your medication bottles that you currently take, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements.
• It is important to bring a list of your current healthcare providers with their phone numbers.
• To avoid excess testing, provide us with the results of any medical tests performed within the past month. Bring a copy of these test results to your visit if you have them.

A nurse will review your medical and surgical history, medications and provide you with your pre-operative instructions.

• You may have blood tests, an EKG, and/or a chest x-ray if needed.
• You will receive a booklet containing pre-operative and showering instructions. A nurse will review and explain this information.

• Eat normally – no need to fast.
• Take your usual medication(s).
• Bring all medications with you or a list of all the medications you take, including over-the-counter medications, vitamins, and supplements.
• Bring a list of all your current medical providers and their phone numbers.
• Bring any medical device ID cards (if applicable).
• Bring your medical insurance card and license/photo ID with you.
• Wear comfortable clothes, and refrain from using body lotions, oils, or powder that morning. (Deodorant can be worn.)

If you have been scheduled for a phone interview:

• Expect a phone call from a pre-admission testing nurse at approximately the time scheduled.
• We will review your medical/surgical history and prescription medications, vitamins, and over the counter medications with you over the phone and provide you with your pre-operative instructions.
• If any lab work is needed, we will provide instructions on where and when to have this done.

If you need to change your pre-admission testing appointment, please call 401-793-2960, Monday through Friday between 7:30 a.m. and 4 p.m.

Please bring a photo ID and your insurance card. If you have a co-pay that is due, you will be able to pay that at the time of your visit. We will also need a list of your current medications, the physicians you see, and any recent testing, EKG or labs, if you have copies.

Yes, you can eat or drink what you normally would prior to your appointment.

We will review your medical, surgical, and anesthesia history, along with your medications. We will also complete some screenings and do some discharge planning.

You will receive a bottle of chlorhexidine soap (4%) at your pre-admission testing appointment. If you need additional soap or if your pre-admission testing appointment was by phone, you can purchase a bottle at your local pharmacy or pick it up at our office.

You will receive a call from the pre-admission testing clinic with further instructions.

You will be notified by your surgeon if any of your labs need further work up.