Is EKG & CBC necessary for upper Eyelid Surgery?

Question

Hello, I received a pre-operative medical clearance form to get EKG & CBC before having my upper eyelid surgery. Is this testing necessary, would insurance cover the testing, and where would I go to have the EKG & CBC done? Thank you!

Samir Undavia, MD · Answer

Depending on your health condition lab work and EKG might be indicated. Your primary doctor or the pre-admission testing department might be the best place to ask about how to get those tests done. Unless this testing can be bundled into a well visit I'm not sure that insurance will cover it. Good of luck with surgery!

Scott W. Vann, MD, FACS · Answer

What and how much lab work is needed before surgery really varies depending on the patient's age and health status, what procedure, and what type of anesthesia. Many upper lid blepharoplasty cases are done with straight local and require no lab work. If sedation or general anesthesia is used some labwork will be needed. If your surgery was precertified and approved for insurance coverage then they would probably cover the cost of the lab work. If it is a straight cosmetic procedure then insurance may likely not cover the cost of lab work. In our office we have a contract with a local lab to do lab work for cosmetic patients at a very reduced rate. All this should be addressed with your surgeon.

Kenneth D. Steinsapir, MD · Answer

In fairness, they say we do not always hear what we are being told by the doctor.  So perhaps this was covered but you were thinking about something else at the moment.  Insurance may or may not cover these tests.  We do not do routine blood work.  It is really driven by considerations of your health status.  So typically we allow the internist or family practitioner to decide on what lab tests are appropriate.  Depending on your age and heath history, the CBC and an EKG are often useful tests to have prior to surgery.

John J. Martin, Jr., MD · Answer

What lab tests are needed is determined by state law and the regulations of the surgery center where you will have the work done.  If you are having just straight local which is not uncommon for an upper eyelid surgery,  you don't need any labs done.  For local sedation or general, most centers require some routine lab work such as a CBC and SMA-6.  If a patient is  young and healthy and on no medication, this can often be waived.  If you are over 50 many centers will require an EKG for baseline comparison.  Some insurance companies will cover these tests pre-op.

Sirius K. Yoo, MD · Answer

Preoperative labs largely depend on your age and health.  Is your upper lid surgery under local or general anesthesia?  General anesthesia is not like just "going to sleep".  It is a workout for the body and your surgeon may just want to make sure that your heart does not have any issues that would place you at risk for a cardiac complication.  The CBC will let the surgeon know that you are not anemic, or have problems with certain types of clotting, or have an active infection.  If the surgery is under local, then you have less stress on the body, but there certainly are times when an EKG is warranted, especially if you have any history of coronary artery disease, diabetes, etc.  In regards to insurance payment, often times this is covered, but this will depend on your individual policy.  You can get this type of typical lab work done at many facilities.  There are often walk-in clinics that will facilitate this for you.

George John Alexander, MD, FACS · Answer

To provide the safest plastic
surgical care, I recommend that all my patients undergo pre-operative medical
testing to check their heart and lungs and a blood work-up.   It
sounds reasonable that your surgeon is requesting this testing; however there
are some doctors who may not require it. 
I would ask your primary care provider or your surgeon to help you
coordinate these tests.

Malena Amato, MD, FACS · Answer

Hi, Depending on your age, health history and medical conditiosn, type of anesthesia, length of surgery and procedure, an EKG and lab work may be indicated. If the surgeon is requiring it, I would ask him if they or the hospital has a preop clinic, or your primary doctor can also likely administer these tests. Hope this helps.

Robert M. Freund, MD · Answer

Doctors order pre-op lab tests to insure that you are a healthy candidate for the routine plastic surgery that is planned. The types of tests are dictated by age, health status, type of surgery, type of anesthesia and state regulations.This should be explained by your physician.To schedule these tests, call your plastic surgeon for help.

Stephen Weber MD, FACS · Answer

Testing is largely dictated by age and gender. Most centers will mandate certain tests for certain patients. The age cut off in women tends to be slightly higher than that for men. With regard to insurance coverage it will depend on your specific insurance, age as well as whether or not your eyelid surgery is cosmetic or functional in nature. I hope this information is helpful for you.Stephen Weber MD, FACSDenver Facial Plastic Surgeon

Matheson A. Harris, MD · Answer

Any lab or physical testing before surgery is usually dictated by the surgery center or anesthesiologist. They want to ensure you are safe for anesthesia.  Your surgeon may also order these tests based on your health history, but some are just blanket requirements for all patients.  Some insurances cover them as they would any physical exam, others don't. You have to check your specific benefits.

Is EKG & CBC necessary for upper Eyelid Surgery?

Answers (10)

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