Inpatient Surgery
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In most cases, you are admitted to the hospital on the day of your surgery. Arrive at the hospital at the appointed time, at which time the doctor can see you in the pre-operative holding area and answer any questions.
Insurance companies, especially worker’s compensation carriers, require that you be admitted the day of surgery and that presurgery tests be done on an outpatient basis a day or two before. Ask our surgery scheduler to help you arrange these tests.
The hospital requires you to have your doctor’s orders with you when you are admitted to the hospital. You will receive the orders from our office when you schedule your surgery.
You will be required to go to the hospital a day or two before your surgery for lab work and for x-rays if requested. You will receive orders and will be instructed by our surgery coordinator about what you need to do.
Postoperative visits with your physician are generally scheduled by the ward clerk at the time you leave the hospital, or we will give you an appointment in advance of surgery. If you are discharged on a weekend, please call our office the next business day and arrange a follow-up appointment.
General Instructions for Inpatient Surgery
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Do not eat or drink anything, not even water, eight hours prior to your surgery. It may be necessary to cancel surgery if you eat or drink.
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Please do not smoke or chew gum after midnight the night before surgery.
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You may take your routine medications with a sip of water. Do not take any blood thinners (i.e., ASPIRIN, COUMADIN) or anti-inflammatory agents such as MOTRIN. ASPIRIN and COUMADIN must be stopped at least 5-7 days prior to surgery. If you are scheduled for a carotid endarterectomy, continue taking prescribed ASPIRIN, anti-inflammatory, and anti-platelet drugs. If you are currently taking COUMADIN, please check with your neurosurgeon for instructions.
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Notify your doctor of any change in physical condition (cold, fever, etc).
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Take a bath or shower the night before your surgery.
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Do not wear contact lenses, makeup, earrings, or other jewelry.
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Try to get a good night’s rest before your surgery.
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If you wear dentures, they may be removed and returned
to you after surgery.
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A child may bring a favorite toy, book, or blanket.
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Please do not bring valuables to the hospital with you. The hospital cannot be responsible for these items.
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Arrive at the hospital at the appointed time.
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During your surgery, your family should wait nearby in the waiting area where your doctor will come to speak with them after surgery.
After your surgery and recovery, the doctor will determine when it is time for you to return home. He will give you specific instructions on how to care for yourself. Follow these, and let the doctor know as soon as possible if there are any problems.
Inpatient surgery usually requires a team of physicians to give you complete, comprehensive care. The most frequently used specialists are surgeon, assistant surgeon, pathologist, anesthesiologist, and radiologist. After your surgery, you will receive bills from each of the specialists who participated in your surgery. It is to your benefit to check with each of them to see whether the specialist will bill your insurance provider directly or whether you are responsible for the billing. If you have any questions concerning these bills, please call and we will direct you to the correct source.
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