Medical Evaluation	:	If you decide to have hip replacement surgery, you may be asked to have a complete medical assessment before your surgery. This is needed to assess your health and find conditions that could interfere with your surgery or recovery. This will also correct any abnormalities such as high blood pressure and can detect conditions previously undiagnosed like diabetes.
Tests	:	Several tests, such as blood samples, a cardiogram, chest X-rays, urine and stool sample may be needed for assessment.
Preparing Your Skin	:	Your skin should not have any infections or irritations before surgery. If either are present, contact your orthopaedic surgeon for a program to improve your skin before your surgery.
Blood Donations	:	You may be advised to donate your own blood prior to surgery. It will be stored in the event you need blood after surgery. Medications Tell your orthopaedic surgeon about the medications you are taking. Your orthopaedist or your primary care doctor will advise you which medications you should stop or can continue taking before surgery.
Weight Loss	:	If you are overweight, your doctor may ask you to lose some weight before surgery to minimize the stress on your new hip.
Dental Evaluation	:	Although infections after hip replacement are not common, an infection can occur if bacteria enter your bloodstream. Since bacteria can enter the bloodstream during dental procedures, treatment of significant dental diseases (including tooth extractions and periodontal work) should be considered before your hip replacement surgery. Routine cleaning of your teeth should be delayed for several weeks after surgery.
Urinary Evaluation	:	A urological evaluation before surgery should be considered by individuals with a history of recent or frequent urinary infections. Older men with prostate disease should consider a urologic evaluation and treatment before having hip replacement surgery.
Social Planning	:	Although you will be able to walk with crutches or a walker soon after surgery, you will need some help for several weeks with such tasks as cooking, shopping, bathing, and laundry. If you live alone, your surgeon's office, a social worker, or a discharge planner at the hospital can help you make advance arrangements to have someone assist you at your home. A short stay in an extended care facility during your recovery after surgery also may be arranged.