preparing for surgery

Your doctor or outpatient surgery staff may give you instructions to follow during the evening before or morning of your surgery. Do not forget to notify your surgeon if you are taking aspirin, blood thinners or arthritic medication daily. Before arriving at the hospital, please follow all preoperative instructions.

Advance Beneficiary Notice for Medicare Insurance Carriers

• For Medicare insurance carriers, you may be asked to take financial responsibility for tests that are ordered but may not be covered by Medicare. If this applies to your testing, your registrar will explain which tests apply and answer any questions you may have.A list of any allergies such as food, medication and especially latex/rubber

• Copy of your completed advance directives

Day Before Surgery

On the day before your surgery, follow these guidelines:

• Staff will call you the afternoon or early evening prior to surgery to confirm your surgery time.

• Try to relax and have a quiet evening.

• Do not drink any hard alcohol, beer, wine, or smoke within 24 hours of your surgery.

• Plan to have a family member or friend available to drive you home after your surgery.

• Do not eat or drink anything, including gum or mints, after midnight.

• NOTE: Any food taken after midnight will delay or cancel your surgery.