To improve operating room flow, Salem Health is piloting a new Preanesthesia Testing Clinic (PAT) on the Salem Hospital campus starting Oct. 27.
PAT will remove some of the burden of surgical readiness from patients, caregivers and community providers by coordinating necessary tests and follow-up from a single location.
Going forward, all patients with a surgical case request will be given a risk score and then be assigned to the appropriate next step, which may include PAT.
Visits can be via video or in-person (fifth floor of Salem Hospital Building C). In-office visits include a physical examination and a review of any physician-ordered testing. Most patients will only need one PAT visit to be cleared for surgery.
The PAT team consists of registered nurses and an advanced practice provider under the guidance of an anesthesiologist.
The rollout starts with Salem Health Orthopedics on Oct. 28, followed by Salem Health Urology and other specialties in the months to come.
Preanesthesia Testing Clinic (PAT Clinic)
Salem Hospital Building C, 5th floor
875 Oak St. SE, Suite 5090
Salem, OR 97301