Undergoing surgery can always involve health risks due to its invasive nature of procedure. That’s why getting a CP Clearance or Cardiopulmonary Clearance is a requirement for most patients. By getting this medical document, it allows doctors to see if the patient is viable and in great health, specifically in the cardiovascular and pulmonary aspect.
In that case, if your condition warrants a surgery, then there’s a chance that you might acquire a CP clearance. This guide covers everything you need to know about this document and how you can get one. Discover how it can ease your concerns and prepare you for a smoother medical journey. Let’s begin!
What is Cardiopulmonary CP Clearance?
Cardiopulmonary clearance, often called CP clearance, is a medical evaluation that assesses your heart and lung function before surgery or certain medical procedures. Think of it as a safety check to ensure your body can handle the physical stress of anesthesia and surgical intervention.
This preoperative cardiovascular evaluation goes beyond a simple check-up. It’s a comprehensive assessment that examines your cardiac risk factors, breathing capacity, and overall cardiovascular health. Furthermore, this evaluation helps the medical team identify any potential complications and take necessary precautions during your procedure.
Why is CP Clearance Important?
Surgery puts significant stress on your cardiovascular and respiratory systems. During such a procedure, your heart rate, blood pressure, and oxygen levels can fluctuate significantly.
A thorough lung and heart health screening ensures:
- Your heart can pump effectively under anesthesia
- Your lungs can maintain proper oxygen levels
- Any underlying heart disease or heart failure is identified and managed
- Your surgical team can prepare for potential complications
- Your recovery process is optimized for better outcomes
For many Filipino families, understanding that this evaluation is a protective measure rather than a barrier can help reduce anxiety about the process.
If you have concerns about the use of anesthesia for your surgery, feel free to consult experts here.
Who Should Get A Cardiopulmonary Clearance?
As mentioned, most people will need a cardio clearance or pulmonary clearance for an extensive form of treatment like surgery. Certain factors may increase their probability of needing further evaluation through this clearance.
Individuals who fall under certain situations are as follows:
High-Risk Patients with Medical Conditions
- Adults over 65 years old
- Patients with existing heart disease or heart failure (e.g., Arrhythmias, Coronary Heart Disease, Coronary Artery Disease, etc.)
- Individuals with high blood pressure (hypertension) or diabetes
- Those with a history of smoking or pulmonary health issues
- Patients with previous heart attacks or strokes
- Chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD)
- Sleep apnea or other breathing disorders
- Kidney disease or liver problems
- Obesity or metabolic disorders
Surgical Factors
- Elective surgery with general anesthesia
- Vascular surgery or cardiac procedures
- Major abdominal or thoracic surgeries
- Procedures lasting more than 2 hours
- Emergency surgeries in high-risk patients
- Previous complications with anesthesia
Consult your doctor immediately if you have any of the mentioned cases above. The functional capacity of your heart and lung health needs preoperative testing to determine if you are capable of undergoing the surgery. That’s what the CP clearance can provide.
Common Cardiopulmonary Clearance Requirements in the Philippines
When certain conditions are met, you might need a CP clearance for your safety before undergoing a surgical procedure. Commonly, a series of tests will occur to help determine your heart and lung health. Aside from that, other forms of examination will be applied to further examine your health.
If your doctor recommends you for a CP Clearance, here’s how you can get a valid certificate:
Medical History Review
As part of the process, your doctor will ascertain your past and present health status. They’ll ask about your history and check for possible factors that can complicate the surgery. So it’s best to prepare the following details before your doctor consultation.
- Previous surgeries and complications
- Current medications and allergies
- Family history of heart or lung disease
- Lifestyle factors (smoking, exercise, diet)
- Symptoms like chest pain, shortness of breath, or fatigue
Physical Examination
Aside from medical history, your doctor will also conduct a physical examination. Doing so offers additional details for more accurate information in the CP clearance.
- Heart rate and rhythm assessment
- Blood pressure measurement (diastolic and systolic blood pressure measurement)
- Lung function evaluation
- Examination of extremities for circulation issues
- Assessment of overall physical fitness
Diagnostic Tests
Of course, physical examination isn’t enough to fully ascertain your cardiopulmonary health. That’s why you must undergo a series of tests, like the following:
Cardiovascular Tests:
- Echocardiogram to assess heart structure and function
- Electrocardiogram (ECG) to evaluate heart rhythm
- Stress testing to measure heart performance under exertion (e.g., treadmill stress test, cardiac stress test, etc.)
- Chest X-ray to examine heart size and lung condition
Pulmonary Function Tests:
- Spirometry to measure lung capacity and airflow
- Blood gas analysis to assess oxygen and carbon dioxide levels
- Peak flow measurements for breathing efficiency
Laboratory Tests:
- Complete blood count and metabolic panel
- Kidney and liver function tests
- Cardiac enzymes if heart problems are suspected
Note: When you need to get a cardiopulmonary clearance, you must consult specialists like cardiologists and pulmonologists for your heart and lung health. At the same time, you’ll need an anesthesiologist for perioperative planning. However, internal medicine and and primary care physicians can also provide this clearance.
The CP Clearance Timeline
Understanding the timeline helps you plan appropriately for your procedure:
| Scheduled Agenda | What to Occur |
| 2-4 Weeks Before Surgery | – Schedule your CP clearance evaluation – Complete initial medical history and physical exam – Begin any recommended diagnostic tests |
| 1-2 Weeks Before Surgery | – Complete all required tests and specialist consultations – Receive clearance documentation from your physician – Address any identified issues or concerns |
| Final Approval | – Your surgical team reviews all clearance documents – Any necessary precautions are planned – You receive final approval for your procedure |
How to Find A Cardiopulmonary Clearance Doctor on NowServing?
As mentioned, there are several specialists that you can approach just to acquire this medical document. At NowServing, this process will be easier to achieve as you can book any licensed specialist in the Philippines in one place.
Here’s the fastest way to get started:
- Access the Cardiopulmonary Clearance website link or open your NowServing app on your device
- Choose a doctor from the list. You can check their details to help you choose the best doctor for your case.
- Fill up the form provided and don’t forget to add the reason for your scheduled booking.
- Wait for the doctor to confirm your booking.
Take note that NowServing can also accept HMOs, so feel free to find an accredited doctor of your HMO. Just don’t forget to bring your LOA during your scheduled doctor consultation.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) About
What if I don’t pass CP clearance?
If issues are identified during your evaluation, it doesn’t necessarily mean your surgery is cancelled. Your medical team will work to optimize your health before the procedure. This might involve medication adjustments, lifestyle modifications, or additional treatments to reduce your cardiac risk.
How much does CP clearance cost in the Philippines?
Costs vary depending on the tests required and your healthcare provider. Basic evaluations may cost PHP 3,000-PHP 5,000, while comprehensive assessments with multiple tests can range from ₱10,000-₱20,000. Meanwhile, consultation alone will cost PHP 500.00. Many HMOs and PhilHealth cover portions of these costs, especially when medically necessary.
Can I get CP clearance done online?
While initial consultations can be conducted through telemedicine platforms, CP clearance requires physical examination and diagnostic tests that must be performed in person. However, follow-up consultations and results discussions can often be done virtually.
Do I need CP clearance for all surgeries?
Not all procedures require formal CP clearance. Minor surgeries with local anesthesia typically don’t need this evaluation. However, any procedure involving general anesthesia or regional anesthesia in high-risk patients will likely require clearance.
Does a colonoscopy procedure require cardiopulmonary clearance?
Normally, low-risk surgery procedures like colonoscopy should not involve cardiac clearance and pulmonary clearance. However, if your doctor deemed you a high-risk individual, you must follow their recommendations and get a CP clearance as needed.
Conclusion
CP clearance is an essential step in ensuring your safety during surgery and medical procedures. By understanding the requirements and preparing adequately, you can approach your clearance evaluation with confidence.
Ready to schedule your CP clearance evaluation? Book an appointment with a qualified cardiologist, pulmonologist, internist, or primary care doctor on NowServing and make the first step towards a safer surgical experience.
