PASS (Pre-Anesthesia Surgical Service) Clinic

One or more of your child’s current conditions could increase their risk for problems with anesthesia. We want to make sure they are healthy enough to receive anesthesia. We also want to make sure your child does not have any health problems that could delay their procedure.

Because of your child’s condition(s) and medical history, and because they see many providers, we want to look at everything about your child’s current care. We want to make sure there are no new risks for them to have anesthesia.

A member of the care team. They will greet you and:

• Ask about their current medications
• Ask if your child is ill, has recently been ill or has been exposed to illness
• Tell you when you will be notified about the time of your child’s procedure and be given eating and drinking instructions for the day of the procedure

A registered nurse.

Your child may meet with a registered nurse. They will provide education about procedures or help you with follow-up recommendations after the visit.

A provider. They will meet with you and your child and:

• Ask additional questions about your child’s medical history. They review the history in great detail before you arrive.
• Listen to your child’s lungs and heart and look at their throat and mouth if the visit is in person.
• Provide instructions about anesthesia for your child’s procedure.
• Decide if your child needs additional tests or consults before their procedure. This may include lab work and X-rays or consults with other specialists like Child Life, Pulmonary, Cardiology or an anesthesiologist.
•  Make sure your child is scheduled for any necessary follow-up visits with other Seattle Children’s specialists before the procedure.

If your child is due for follow-up appointments with Seattle Children’s providers or other specialists, make sure they all are done before the procedure. It is important all of your child’s providers agree your child is healthy enough for the procedure.

A parent or legal guardian who knows the child’s health history needs to come to the visit.

A clinic visit typically lasts 30 to 45 minutes.

Your child’s anesthesiologist will review the information from the PASS Clinic visit and evaluate your child to make sure they are healthy and able to have anesthesia that day. The anesthesiologist also will talk with you about their plan for your child’s anesthesia.

You will need to ask your child’s doctor or surgeon performing the procedure.

To learn more about how to prepare for a surgery or clinic visit, hospital amenities and family support services, visit seattlechildrens.org/patients-families.