Understanding Your Surgery
Surgery
Preparing for your surgery:
Pre-op phone call: You will receive a telephone call one or two days prior to your scheduled procedure to discuss your health history. It will be important to disclose your medical / surgical history, allergies and reactions, as well as all medications, including dosage and frequency, which you are currently taking. We will also need to know about all allergies and reactions you have to medications, food, latex, etc. We will use this information to plan your care and expedite your admission on the day of surgery. If you have any change in your health status, including minor changes such as a cough or cold, fever or rash, please notify your doctor.
Making arrangement for transportation: You must have a responsible adult available to drive you home after surgery. It is also recommended that someone be with you for the first 24 hours following your procedure. If this is a problem, please notify your doctor or the nurse during pre-op phone call. You may NOT be transported home by bus or light-rail.
Medications: The physician’s office will instruct you on how to take your current medications prior to and on the day of surgery.
Do not bring any valuables with you the day of surgery – we can not be responsible for lost articles
The morning of surgery:
Do NOT eat or drink anything after midnight unless otherwise directed - this includes water, gum and hard candy. Patients that are scheduled for pain management injections will need to follow their physician’s instructions.
Do not smoke or chew tobacco after midnight the night before your surgery.
Personal care: Bathe or shower the morning of surgery. Remove all make up and leave all jewelry and piercings at home.
Clothing: Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothes that are easily removed. Wear or bring a large shirt that zips or buttons up rather than pull over shirts.
Contact lens: Bring your glasses with a case – do not wear contact lenses.
When you arrive:
Please arrive at the Center at the time given by your physician’s office. You will be greeted by the receptionist who will process the necessary admission forms and insurance information.
You will need to provide:
- Copy of your insurance card(s)
- Photo ID issued by local, state or federal agency (driver’s license, passport or military ID) or two (2) forms of non-photo ID: one of which has been issued by local, state or federal agency (Social security card and utility bill or school ID) Copy of photo ID is a Federal law.
- Co-payment / deductible due (if applicable)
- If the patient is a minor and not accompanied by a custodial parent: The responsible adult accompanying the minor must have:
- Documentation of legal power of attorney and /or guardianship
- A notarized document allowing the name adult to authorize consent for medical treatment
- The custodial parent must be available by phone to authorize consent.
After surgery:
Post-operative instructions: Your surgeon will provide instructions regarding diet, rest, exercise and medications. Gateway Surgery Center will give you a written summary of these instructions.
It is normal to feel drowsy after an anesthetic, for the following 24 hours after surgery: do not drive or operate equipment, drink alcoholic beverages or sign important documents.