When in doubt, call

Should I Call the Hospital Before Surgery?

Tick anything that's happening right now and get a clear action — call now, call before you come, or routine.

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Medically reviewed by Dr. Saurabh Shukla, MBBS, DNB Anesthesiology · Last updated June 2026

Frequently asked questions

Should I call the hospital if I have a fever before surgery?

Yes — call before you come. A fever or new infection can increase anesthesia risk and may mean your elective surgery is postponed. Your team needs to decide before you travel in.

I have chest pain before surgery — what do I do?

Chest pain or sudden breathlessness can be an emergency. Seek urgent medical help immediately rather than waiting for your scheduled surgery.