FAQs About Pre-Anesthesia Evaluation Services

The Pre-Anesthesia Evaluation Services (PAES) team is dedicated to ensuring your safety and peace of mind throughout your surgical experience at Sharp Memorial Hospital, Sharp Memorial Outpatient Pavilion or Sharp Mary Birch Hospital for Women & Newborns.

What is PAES?
PAES is a process designed to help you prepare for your surgical procedure. The PAES department is open Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 8 am to 5:30 pm.

Frequently Asked Questions
Below are some of the most frequently asked questions regarding our PAES team and process. If you cannot find the answer to your question, please call the PAES department at 858-939-3295.

What does the nursing interview evaluation entail?
A registered nurse will discuss your health history with you, including allergies and medications, known medical conditions or other relevant information over the phone. Should specific questions arise, the PAES nurse may ask for a consultation with one of our anesthesiologists. You may also be scheduled for an appointment to come to the PAES clinic for additional testing or consultation.

How should I prepare for surgery?
Patients should check-in on the day of surgery at their specific surgery location as instructed by the PAES nurse. The following instructions will help you prepare for your surgical procedure:

  • Bathe or shower and brush your teeth before you leave home to reduce the chance of infection
  • Call your surgeon if you become ill or have other concerns prior to surgery
  • Do not eat or drink anything after 11 pm on the night prior to surgery, including water, coffee, hard candy or gum
  • Do not smoke for at least 12 hours prior to your surgery; smoking can increase the risk of complications and the amount of pain you feel after your surgery
  • If you are 17 years of age or younger, a parent or guardian must accompany you
  • If you are scheduled for an outpatient procedure, a responsible adult must be available to accompany you home after your surgery
  • Notify your surgeon of fever, vomiting or cuts or rashes near the surgical site
  • Plan to wear loose-fitting clothes and flat shoes
  • You may need to arrange for someone to stay with you when you return home

What should I expect the day of surgery?

  • Be on time
  • Bring medication and allergy lists, unless these items were already provided to the PAES nurse
  • Bring your glasses and/or contact lens case and solution; contact lenses must be removed before surgery
  • Take only the medications you have been instructed to on the morning of your procedure (you may have just enough water to swallow your medications)

What should I bring the day of surgery?
You should bring the following items:

What is PAES testing?
Pre-admission testing provides timely, unhurried preparation for your surgery. Certain procedures or medical conditions may require your doctor to order routine testing such as lab work, EKGs and select X-rays. An anesthesiologist may request additional studies based on your medical history.

EKGs are performed on patients with cardiac risk-factors determined by the anesthesia department. If you underwent an EKG within a six-month period, please advise your PAES nurse. EKGs more than six months old must be repeated.

Where is PAES located?
8008 Frost St., Suite 100A
San Diego, CA 92123
Get directions

How do I contact PAES?
You may call PAES Monday through Friday, except holidays, from 8 am to 5:30 pm, at 858-939-3295. The PAES fax number is 858-636-2810.