Guidelines to Prepare for Surgery
Following are some general guidelines to help you prepare for your orthopedic surgery. Your doctor will also provide you with detailed instructions for your specific procedure and healthcare needs.
If you have any questions or aren't sure about what to do or what to expect, please give us a call - we're here to help make the process as stress-free as possible.
Understand the procedure you're about to have.
Talk to your doctor about what to expect before, during and after surgery. Make sure all your questions are answered. The more you know, the better prepared you will be to help make the surgery and the recovery as successful as possible.
Know your insurance coverage.
Contact your health insurance provider to understand your coverage for this procedure and any follow-up care needed.
Complete your preoperative clearance, if necessary.
Some orthopedic surgery procedures require preoperative clearance including an EKG and certain lab tests. Check with our doctor's office to see if you need preoperative clearance for your procedure.
Gather your personal and medical information.
During the weeks before your surgery, various providers will be asking you for the same information, such as insurance coverage, medical history, current medications, medical directives, etc. Having everything in one place can make the process easier and faster.
Do not eat or drink after midnight the night before surgery.
Arrange for someone to drive you home.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Jogging suits with elastic waist pants and jackets that zip up the front are good choices, along with comfortable shoes.
Fill prescriptions prior to your surgery, if possible.
Do not wear contact lenses, jewelry, makeup, nail polish, lotions, deodorant or perfume.
Plan ahead for your homecoming.
Grocery shop ahead of time, prepare your home for any special needs you will have, and have someone stay with you or check in on you, as needed.