If you need surgery, a visit to the Center for Preoperative Assessment & Planning (CPAP) is an important step you will take along this path of care.

The Center for Preoperative Assessment & Planning (CPAP) is a unit of Barnes-Jewish Hospital where important information about your health can be gathered before surgery. The Center for Preoperative Assessment and Planning team includes anesthesiologists, advanced practitioners, resident physicians, nurses, laboratory technicians and secretaries who are responsible for making sure you are medically ready for your scheduled operation.

Contact Barnes-Jewish CPAP at (314) 362-4275. 


Frequently Asked Questions

Why should I visit CPAP?

We want your day of surgery to be safe, smooth and well-planned. CPAP is a specialized care unit that prepares patients to undergo a safe and successful procedure. Your visit will provide your anesthesiology and surgery team with the necessary information to decide if you are medically ready for your scheduled surgery.

Occasionally, we discover an undiagnosed medical problem or a current medical condition that is not under control and may put your health at risk if you undergo surgery. If the team at CPAP finds that you are not medically ready for surgery, or that your medical condition is very complicated, we will discuss our evaluation with your surgeon and recommend the testing or treatment you should receive before and after your surgery.

In addition, CPAP clinicians work with patients’ other physicians to help coordinate their surgical care with their other medical care. All of this information becomes part of your medical record so that all of your doctors and clinicians can provide you with the best care.

What can I expect during my appointment at CPAP?

During your appointment, the health care team at CPAP will:

  • Take your medical history
  • Perform a physical examination
  • Perform a nursing assessment
  • Review and/or perform tests ordered by your surgeon or our CPAP clinicians
  • Educate you regarding the preparation necessary for your day of surgery. This includes providing you with detailed instructions about what medications you should and should not take.
  • Answer any questions you may have about your upcoming anesthesiology care or about how your care will be influenced by any medical conditions you may have.
If I go to CPAP, am I guaranteed to have my surgery on the scheduled date?

In the vast majority of cases, completing the preparation prescribed during your CPAP visit results in you being ready to proceed with surgery on your scheduled date. However, if your medical condition worsens between your CPAP visit and the day of surgery, your operation could be postponed or canceled. Sometimes experiencing a new infection could be reason enough for postponing your day of surgery. If you develop any adverse changes in your health following completion of the CPAP clinic process, you are encouraged to notify your surgeon and the CPAP clinic team.

When should I make my appointment for a CPAP visit?

Please call and make your appointment as soon as your surgeon schedules your operation to ensure enough time is available for the preparatory steps for surgery. We advise you to make your appointment at CPAP at least five to seven days before surgery especially if your medical history is complex. This is to allow for specialized testing that is sometimes needed.

What if I am not seen in CPAP before surgery?

If your surgery is urgent and insufficient time remains for a CPAP evaluation, you will still be evaluated by an anesthesiologist immediately prior to your operation. This may not be a problem if you are healthy or have medical conditions that are well controlled. However, if the anesthesiologist determines that you are not medically ready for surgery, your operation may be delayed or canceled.

How should I prepare for my visit to CPAP?

Prior to your CPAP appointment, we encourage you to eat and drink normally and also to continue your normal medications. However, sometimes your surgeon or other physicians will arrange for you to have a separate test or appointment on the same day as your CPAP appointment. If you have another test scheduled, please follow any special instructions you have been provided about eating or taking medications for that test or appointment.

What should I bring?
  • Your medications or a Home Medication Record, including the dose and how often you take them. Include all over the counter items – vitamins, herbs, aspirin, inhalers, etc.
  • Copies of any advanced testing (i.e. stress test or echocardiogram results), copies of any recent lab work, or contact information for the testing site. This is especially necessary if these records are from outside of the BJC health system and/or not contained with the Epic Electronic Health Record.
  • Your implant/information card for implanted medical devices such as pacemakers, defibrillators, stimulators, or blood vessel stents.
  • The name, phone number and fax number for your Primary Care Physician and any other medical specialist you see.
  • Your Advanced Directive, Living Will, and Healthcare Power of Attorney, if applicable.
  • If applicable, any paperwork showing guardianship for the patient. This may be necessary for us to render care.
  • All current insurance cards.
  • A completed Health Questionnaire.
How do I get to CPAP?

Barnes-Jewish Hospital CPAP

Park in the Euclid Garage and cross the skywalk over Euclid Avenue to the Center for Advanced Medicine (CAM). Proceed to the information desk and ask for directions to CPAP or the Preoperative Center. We are located in the CAM on the ground floor at the West end of the building. The signs directing you in the hospital read “Pre-testing at CPAP.” Exit the elevator lobby to the right. Continue along the hallway, go down the steps and continue until you come to the CPAP on your right.

4921 Parkview Place (1st Floor)
St. Louis, MO 63110
(314) 362-4275

Barnes-Jewish West County Hospital CPAP

Patients can park in front of the hospital in visitor parking. From Olive, turn down Barnes West Drive and take the first right to park in the North Parking lot. Note: that Barnes Jewish West County Hospital does have free valet services located at the front entrance of the hospital. The signs to CPAP read, “Pre-Op testing at CPAP.” From the front entrance, the Center for Preoperative Assessment and Planning is located directly to the left, across from the main lobby.  

12634 Olive Blvd.
Creve Coeur, MO 63141
(314) 996-8000

Center for Advanced Medicine – South County

The Center for Advanced Medicine – South County is located at 5201 Midamerica Plaza near the Siteman Cancer Center at I-55 and Butler Hill road.

5201 Midamerica Plaza
St. Louis, MO 63129
(866) 867-3627