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Patient Information
BEFORE SURGERY A staff member from the Surgery Center will contact you prior to surgery for pre-admission instructions and arrival time.
DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING (including water, mints, chewing gum, or chewing tobacco) after midnight the night before surgery. Teeth may be brushed but DO NOT swallow any water. Refrain from smoking after midnight the night before surgery. Bath or shower the morning of surgery to minimize the chance of infection.
Leave jewelry, contact lens and other valuables at home. Wear comfortable loose clothing and flat slip-on shoes. During surgery you will wear a patient gown provided by the Surgery Center. Makeup and nail polish must be removed before surgery. If you wear dentures, a partial plate, or any other prosthesis you may be asked to remove them. They will be kept securely in your locker until you return from surgery.
A RESPONSIBLE INDIVIDUAL MUST ACCOMPANY ALL ANESTHESIA PATIENTS. YOU MUST MAKE ARRANGEMENTS TO HAVE SOMEONE TAKE YOU HOME FROM THE CENTER AND STAY WITH YOU FOR 24 HOURS. IF YOUR CHILD IS THE PATIENT, HAVE SOMEONE ELSE DRIVE YOU AND YOUR CHILD HOME.
PREPARATION FOR SURGERY Take the following medication with a small sip of water on the day of the surgery/procedure before coming to the Surgery Center: (a) Medication for a heart condition; (b) Medication for control of elevated blood pressure; and/orMedication for a seizure disorder (c) DO NOT TAKE DIABETIC MEDICATION but bring it with you, as well as any inhalers you use. PLEASE HAVE THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION AVAILABLE: MEDICATIONS, ALLERGIES, MEDICAL HISTORY, AND SURGICAL HISTORY.
Bring a list of your medications with you the day of surgery to review with the nurse in the pre-op area.
IF YOU SUSPECT THAT YOU ARE PREGNANT, please notify your physician. Anesthesia and medications may be harmful to the developing fetus. If you experience any health changes between your most recent visit to your surgeon and the day of surgery, notify your physician. Please report even minor changes, such as an elevated temperature, cough or cold. If you find that you are unable to keep your appointment or that you will be late, please notify the scheduling desk at (724) 933-3800.
PRETESTING Follow your surgeon’s orders for necessary blood tests, an Electrocardiogram (EKG) or a chest X-ray. Test results must be faxed to (724) 933-3801.
Bring completed insurance and Medicare forms, as well as your insurance cards and medical information. Please check with your insurance company for pre-admission requirements such as second opinions, pre-admission certification and/or referrals. This will facilitate the admitting process.
Uninsured and/or cash patients will be required to pay for services on or before their admission date.
The Surgery Center will bill your insurance company as a courtesy. However, the balance due is the patient’s responsibility and payment will be required from you unless your insurance company pays within 60 days.
AFTER SURGERY Follow any specific home care instructions you receive after your surgery. If applicable, bring crutches.
The medical staff will discharge you when they are assured you are in stable condition. However, you could still feel sleepy, slightly dizzy, or nauseated. These are possible (and normal) side effects of anesthesia and can last for 12-24 hours.
WAIT AT LEAST 24 HOURS AFTER YOU ARRIVE HOME BEFORE YOU: • Drive • Operate any equipment • Sign any important papers or make any important decisions • Drink any alcoholic beverages (do not drink alcoholic beverages while taking medications) • Take any medicine not prescribed or acknowledged by your physician
ANY PROBLEMS THAT OCCUR AFTER YOU ARRIVE HOME should be directed to your doctor’s office. |
Contact usWESTERN PA SURGERY CENTER
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© 2006 Wester PA Surgery Center |