Pre-Admission Testing Center

Having surgery can be a big decision. The pre-admission center teams at St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center and Barrow Neurological Institute are here to help make the process easy for you and to make sure that you are healthy enough to be confident going into your neurosurgical procedure.

Before undergoing elective (meaning non-emergency) surgical procedures, your surgeon will want you to have an examination and testing appointment at our Pre-admission Testing Center. During this appointment, our pre-operative specialists will make sure that your heart, lungs, and other body systems are healthy and strong enough for you to go through a neurosurgical procedure and the general anesthesia required.

We will also let you know what to expect on the day of surgery, and let you know exactly when and where you will need to be so you won’t have to worry about small details like what to bring and where to park on the day of your procedure.

What to expect during pre-admission testing

Your appointment will include:

  • Your medical history
  • Medications (prescription and over the counter) that you are taking
  • Previous surgeries and medical procedures
  • Old medical records (if available)

You will be weighed and your blood pressure, body temperature and pulse will be measured. Depending on your procedure and your surgeon’s specifications, you may also have blood drawn, an EKG, and a chest x-ray.

You may also be examined by a physician if your surgeon thinks it is necessary.

A man speaks with a female doctor

What to bring for pre-admission surgery testing

To help our staff verify your identity and clear you for surgery, you will need to bring the following items to your testing appointment: 

  • Insurance cards
  • Government ID
  • Medical records
  • List of current medications
  • Hospital registration
  • Completion of pre surgical testing requested by your surgeon (s)uch as laboratory tests, chest x-ray, electrocardiogram
  • Evaluation by a physician or nurse practitioner as requested by your surgeon
  • A list of questions you have about the day of your surgery

While at your appointment, you should also take the opportunity to familiarize yourself with the hospital prior to your surgery

Two facilities, one convenient testing location

When you require pre-admission testing for St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center or Barrow Neurological Institute, our address is:
2910 North 3rd Avenue
Suite 130
Phoenix, AZ, 85013

We are located on the first floor of the Barrow Neuroplex. The entrance is beneath the Barrow Neurological Institute sign. For those parking in the 3rd Avenue Garage, take the enclosed pedestrian bridge across 3rd Avenue, then enter through the doors on the right side of the bridge.

Phone numbers for scheduling

St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center - Dignity Health

St. Joseph's Hospital and Medical Center

If you’ll be admitted into St. Joseph’s please use the following numbers:
For scheduling an appointment – (602) 406-6961.
For orders – (602) 406-6964.
Fax: (602) 406-6057.

barrow-neurological-institute

Barrow Neurological Institute

If you’ll be admitted into Barrow Neurological Institute, please use the following numbers:
For scheduling an appointment – (602) 406-6961.
Fax: (602) 406-6057.