PREPARING FOR SURGERY

Pre-Admit

Whether you are having inpatient or outpatient surgery, pre-registering will make the admission process go more smoothly on the day of surgery. Complete your pre-registration form in advance. If you have questions about your registration, call for assistance.

Your pre-admit experience includes a visit to our Pre-Surgery Center, which is the same location as Same Day Surgery, and a pre-operative evaluation with your doctor.


Feeling sick?

If you have fever, sore throat or any type of infection between now and the time for your surgery, tell your doctor as soon as possible.


Pre-Surgery Center

You or your physician’s office will schedule an appointment in our Pre-Surgery Center, where our staff evaluates, assesses, educates and prepares you and your family for a successful and safe hospital experience at Woman’s.

Your appointment will include:

  • Assistance in completing your admission paperwork and signing any consent forms.
  • Any tests requested by your doctor. These vary depending on your health and type of surgery, but can include vital signs, blood tests, urine tests and/or an EKG
  • A complete nursing assessment, including pre- and post-operative information about your surgery.
  • Payment of any co-pay or deductible for your surgery. If you are unable to pay this portion at the appointment, contact the financial counselor to make financial arrangements. Payments may be made by cash, check or credit card.

Please bring the following to your appointment:

  • Your complete medical and surgical history
  • A list of all medications, including prescription and over-the-counter medications, including dosage information
  • A list of any allergies to medicines, food, latex, dust, pollen or other sources
  • The names and telephone numbers of your primary care physician and any specialists you are seeing
  • Your insurance card and driver's license
  • A copy of your Health Care Proxy or Living Will, if applicable

Your Pre-Surgery Center appointment can take one or two hours. For this reason, we suggest that you do not bring young children with you to this appointment.


Pre-Operative Evaluation

Your pre-operative appointment with your doctor is the best time to discuss any questions you may have. Knowing what to expect helps relieve any anxiety you may have about your surgery.

Tips to make your pre-operative evaluation a success:

  • Inform your doctor of all medical conditions you have; for example: asthma, diabetes, thyroid problems, back/neck pain, mitral valve prolapse, etc. Your doctor will determine if it is necessary to have clearance from any other doctors before you have surgery.
  • If you smoke, discuss with your doctor prior to your surgery whether medication (patches, pills, nasal spray) is needed during your hospital stay to help you cope with not smoking. Woman’s is a smoke-free environment and can provide you with resources to help you quit smoking if desired.
  • If you are being followed by other doctors for special medical conditions, please notify them you are going to have surgery and ask which medications need to be continued at the hospital.
  • Tell your doctor ALL medications you are taking, including prescription, nonprescription, herbs, diet pills and vitamins. Ask your doctor when to stop taking any of these medications before your surgery.
  • Your doctor may give you a prescription for medicine you will need after your surgery. Please have this filled before your surgery date so that you will have it when you get home.

If You Are Unable to Make Your Appointment

If you do not complete your pre-registration at our Pre-Surgery Center prior to the day of your procedure, you may contact our Patient Access Coordinator Monday through Friday from 9:00 AM – 4:30 PM.

If you chose to pre-register by phone, you will need to sign admission forms and pay any co-pay or deductible that is due when you arrive at the hospital.