Patient Guidelines
 Before Your Appointment with Us
By this time, you and your doctor have discussed your procedure. If you have any new questions prior to your appointment with us, please contact your doctor to make sure any concerns are addressed and reassured. One of our nurses will be contacting you by phone a few days prior to your appointment to go over specific details. Many questions at that time will also be honored or reconfirmed. This conversation is designed to further prepare you and to help you make plans — your comfort and peace of mind are very important to us. Prior to your procedure date, if you experience any change in your health or physical condition — even a cold or fever, be sure to contact your doctor.
You will need to make arrangements ahead of time to have family or a friend drive you home after surgery and remain with you through the night, as your doctor directs. Any difficulty with this important point needs to be communicated when the nurse calls prior to your appointment.
The Day Before
Do not eat any solid foods after midnight. Clear liquids are permitted up to eight hours before your arrival at the medical center. We recommend you bathe or shower before arriving. This minimizes the risk of infection. Shampooing your hair is also recommended. If you have an early morning appointment, you can bathe or shower the night before.
Unless instructed specifically from your doctor, if you are diabetic, do NOT take insulin or any other diabetic medication. When our nurse calls you prior to your appointment, please have your list of medications ready to read, such as Coumadin, Heparin, Lovenox, Plavix, or blood pressure prescriptions. The nurse will give you instructions as to what medications to take, or not to take.
 The Day Of
We want you to be comfortable and relaxed. On the day of your surgery, wear loose fitting clothing that can be easily removed and stored. Shoes should be soft and casual. Please remove and leave all jewelry (including any body piercing items) at home. If you ordinarily wear contacts, please remove them. Bring glasses, hearing aides and dentures with their cases for storage. And also, please no make-up. As you enter our front doors, please check in with the receptionist, who will notify your nurse and announce your arrival. Relax and have a seat.
Guests: We ask that you have no
more than two guests accompanying you to the medical center — the privacy and comfort of our patients is important. Your guests may
stay with you up till the time of your surgery, and then may wait in our waiting room during your procedure. Your doctor or nurse will speak to your guest about your condition once the surgery is completed. We encourage small children to remain in good care, at home.
Special Inpatient Services: If your procedure requires an overnight stay with us, we are pleased to provide full service inpatient care and attention. Your needs and those of any family member or guest that choose to stay with you overnight will be attended to by our highly skilled nurses and support staff whose care is centered on your healing. Spa quality amenities and services along with our critically trained patient care team promote your health and well being.
After Your Procedures
Each patient's recovery time is very individual — anywhere from 30 minutes to a few hours is typical. After your surgery, your anesthesiologist will determine how much time you will need in our recovery room. Your nurse will inform you when you are medically ready to leave our facility. Discharge instructions will be reviewed with the person accompanying you, and a written copy of the instructions will also be given for careful review.
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