title: The preoperative evaluation: use the history and physical rather than routine testing.
abstract: The history and physical examination, rather than routine laboratory, cardiovascular, and pulmonary testing, are the most important components of the preoperative evaluation. The history should include a complete review of systems (especially cardiovascular and pulmonary), medication history, allergies, surgical and anesthetic history, and functional status.
authors.affiliation: Section of Hospital Medicine, Department of General Internal Medicine, The Cleveland Clinic Foundation, OH 44195, USA.
authors.forename: Franklin A
authors.initials: FA
authors.lastname: Michota
authors.forename: Shaun D
authors.initials: SD
authors.lastname: Frost
mesh_terms: D003955:Diagnostic Tests, Routine / Q000592:standards; D006801:Humans; D008487:Medical History Taking / Q000592:standards*; D010808:Physical Examination / Q000592:standards*; D017410:Practice Guidelines as Topic; D011300:Preoperative Care / Q000592:standards*; D012307:Risk Factors