Perioperative Services

PREP Center Packet

Several days before surgery, most patients are referred to the PREP Center for a thorough check-up, which includes taking your vital signs, collecting blood work and any additional tests that may be needed to ensure you are healthy enough for the procedure, and also for anesthesia. We encourage patients to come to the Medical Center for their PREP work so we can be sure we have all of your medical records easily accessible.

When you come to the PREP Center, you will receive a Preoperative Readiness Evaluation and Preparation (PREP) packet. Your PREP packet may contain the following information for your surgery or procedure. You will also find links to some of these forms listed below.

History and Physical (H+P) Form: This form may be completed by your surgeon or primary care doctor. Please make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible. If you do not have a doctor, notify your surgeon. After the form is completed, the doctor should fax or mail it to the PREP Center at least seven days before your procedure.
Laboratory Testing Form: The Diagnostic Studies Request form should be completed by your surgeon's office. Tests may be done at your doctor's office or at a location preferred by your insurance company. Usually, tests performed within a month of the surgery date are not repeated. Special tests such as stress tests, chest x-rays and lung function studies may not need to be repeated if they were done within the past 6-12 months, and your condition has not changed. Call the PREP Center if you are unsure whether or not a test needs to be repeated. Please have all test results sent to the PREP Center at least seven days before the procedure date.
Anesthesia Information: Make sure to fill out the UMMC Preoperative and Preanesthetic Patient Questionnaire, and bring with you to your appointment. A nurse or an anesthesiologist may call you a few days before your procedure. He or she will ask questions about your medical history, and explain the usual anesthesia given for your type of surgery. The nurse will also give you information about the pain medicine that you may need after your operation, as well as talk about changes you might need to make in food and/or medications right before surgery. You may also ask your doctor about medications to avoid before surgery. Be sure to bring a list of your medicines with you to the hospital.
Surgical Consent: The Consent and Authorization for Surgery and Other Procedures should be signed in your surgeon's office. Once your surgeon has discussed the need for surgery, you have agreed on the date, he or she should explain the following: the operation or surgery, the risks and benefits of the surgery or operation, and what alternatives might exist. After reading the form and getting answers to any questions you might have, you and the surgeon should sign the form so that it can be placed in your medical record for your upcoming operation.
Consent for Release of Information: This form gives your permission to the surgeon or the hospital to request previous medical records from other hospitals or physicians who have cared for you. Please complete the following fields listed below and give this form to the surgeon's secretary once it has been completed.

Name
Address
City
Date of Birth
Telephone number
Sign the signature line.
Ambulatory Procedure Checklist, including What To Do if You Get Sick Before Your Surgery, can help make sure you haven't forgotten any important preparations.
What to Expect on Arrival for the Day of Surgery Handout: Patient/Visitor Liaison Letter explains who can keep you updated about your family member or friend’s condition throughout the day.
Patient Bill of Rights and Responsibilities: Explains your rights and responsibilities as a patient at the University of Maryland Medical Center. Click here for this form.
Did U Wash?: What you and your family should know about hand washing while you are here for care.
Parking Map: This map shows the best locations for parking at the Medical Center.
Advance Directives: If you need information about advance directives (living will) or need to complete the forms, you may get this information from your nurse upon your arrival at the hospital.

This page was last updated on: February 15, 2011.

If you have any questions about the information provided, please call the PREP Center at 410-328-5750 or 1-888-328-6669 (long distance callers). We are open Monday-Friday 8 a.m.- 4:30 p.m. Ask to speak to a PREP coordinator; they can help you understand how to prepare for your surgery.