Patient Registration

If you have been scheduled for a procedure, our PreOp nurse will contact you to complete your confidential and mandatory health history. You can start this process now by filling out an online Pre-Admission Form. It is important that you complete this process prior to your date of service so as to avoid cancellation of your procedure. This information will be reviewed by an anesthesiologist so that he or she may be able to adequately plan for your care. Your surgeon may order lab work, EKG or X-rays. You may be asked to go to an outside laboratory or your Primary Care Physician for these tests. It is best to have your tests done about three days before you are scheduled for your procedure. PLEASE TAKE THE PHYSICIAN ORDER SHEET WITH YOU FOR YOUR TESTS.

OTHER THINGS TO CONSIDER:

• Please arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you to and from the Surgery Center. If you have had any sedation/anesthesia someone should stay with you for the first 24 hours after your procedure.
• Do not take aspirin or aspirin-containing products for at least one week before your surgery
• Products such as Advil, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Motrin etc. can also increase your risk of bleeding post-operatively.
• Do not take herbal supplements for 1 week prior to surgery
• If you are taking any herbal medications or diet pills, please discontinue use two weeks before your surgery. If you have any questions, please feel free to ask.
• If you are having a procedure on your legs or feet, please ask your surgeon if you need crutches. They may be rented from most pharmacies and grocery stores.

DO NOT EAT OR DRINK AFTER MIDNIGHT FOR 8 HOURS BEFORE YOUR SURGERY UNLESS SPECIFICALLY DIRECTED BY THE NURSE OR ANESTHESIOLOGIST. Eating or drinking any type of fluid may cause CANCELLATION of the surgery. DO NOT smoke or chew gum after midnight as these activities increase stomach secretions. You may be directed to take prescribed medications for heart, blood pressure or lungs with a VERY SMALL amount of water prior to surgery. Take any diabetic medications as directed by the Anesthesiologist or Surgery Center nurse.

On the day of surgery, you should follow these important safety rules which are critical to your well being. If you do not follow these guidelines, your procedure may have to be delayed or cancelled.

• Please arrive for your surgery promptly at the time given to you at the time of your Pre-Op phone call.
• Notify your surgeon or call the Surgery Center should you notice any symptoms of cold, flu, fever or illness.
• Shower the morning of your surgery; this will decrease the risk of infection.
• Do not wear contact lenses, make-up, nail-polish, earrings, body piercings, or any other jewelry to the Surgery Center. We will not be responsible for lost items.
• If you wear dentures, you may be asked to remove them just before going to the operating room .
• Your family should wait in our waiting area until your surgery is over and your physician has spoken with them.

You will wake up in the “Recovery Area” where the nurses will watch you closely until you are ready to be discharged. Before you are discharged, your nurse will review the instructions for your care at home with you and your family member. A copy of these instructions will be sent home with you.

• Please take your pain medications as prescribed. It is helpful to NOT take your pain medication on an empty stomach.
• DO NOT DRIVE or DRINK ALCOHOL while taking pain medication.
• If you develop a rash, difficulty breathing or stomach pains after taking your medications please call your Surgeon’s office, your primary care doctor or go to the nearest Emergency Room.
• It is not uncommon for your dressing to become slightly bloody or wet after surgery. You may add more gauze. Do not remove dressing unless directed by your surgeon. Wear your splint as directed by your surgeon. If your dressing feels too tight or you fell numbness or tingling in your fingers or toes, you may loosen the Ace wrap. If the numbness continues, call your surgeon.
• If you have pain in your calf at rest or when you wiggle your toes, call your surgeon. If you have excessive bleeding or shortness of breath or if you think you need emergency help, go to the nearest Emergency Room or call 911.