Before Surgery

Pre-Admission Testing (P.A.T.)

Prior to your scheduled surgery, you will have an appointment with a member of our P.A.T. team, which can be held in our office or via a phone interview. This appointment can take up to two hours, and ensures we provide the safest and highest level of care.

A registered nurse will review your health history, medications and allergies, and complete an anesthesia screening. We’ll also coordinate any additional testing you may need for your surgery, such as an EKG (electrocardiogram), X-ray and/or lab work.

Please bring the following information with you to your appointment or have it available during your phone interview:

• Current list of medications, both prescription and over-the-counter, including dosage information
• List of any allergies
• List of any previous surgeries
• Names and phone numbers of your primary care physician and any specialist you are seeing
• Copy of Health Care Proxy or Living Will, if applicable

At this time, your nurse will also review pre-surgery instructions, including any eating restrictions, medication usage and more, and provide written instructions for further review following the appointment. We also encourage you to ask any and all questions.

One to two days before your procedure, your pre-admission nurse or another member of your care team will call you to confirm your surgery and arrival time, and answer any last-minute questions you might have.

Also, be sure to arrange for an adult to bring you to the hospital and take you home.

Insurance & Financial Assistance

Central Maine Healthcare accepts most major insurances. We will submit your bill to your provider or responsible party you designate when you register for surgery. While our billing team will make every effort to validate your coverage prior to your visit, individual insurance plans vary, so please review your plan. We’re happy assist you if you need help filling out your insurance forms.

As part of our mission, we provide access to medically necessary health care to all patients, regardless of their ability to pay. Learn more about our financial assistance program.