Preparing for Surgery
We recognize that preparing for surgery can be a daunting experience. Our office team is dedicated to alleviating stress by assisting with scheduling, verifying insurance benefits, obtaining surgery approvals, and promptly addressing pre-surgical and post-surgical inquiries.
A surgical coordinator will work with you to schedule your procedure based on your surgeon’s availability, Surgical Center/Hospital availability, and your personal preferences. While we endeavor to accommodate all scheduling requests, we appreciate your understanding if we are unable to fulfill a particular request. Your surgeon and our skilled nursing staff will provide thorough preparation instructions for your scheduled procedure or surgery. Your doctor will also advise you if any pre-admission testing or pre-operative medical clearance is necessary before your scheduled procedure.
Certain tests such as EKGs, blood work, x-rays, or other diagnostic tests may be required before surgery to ensure optimal care. A request letter will be sent to your primary care physician, but it is your responsibility to complete these tests at least three days before, but no more than thirty days prior to, your scheduled surgery.
The nursing staff at the Surgical Center or hospital will contact you to conduct a personal preoperative health assessment, review your medical history, and review preparation instructions for your procedure. Our billing team will inform you of any co-insurance or deductibles payable at the time of service. Your arrival time will typically be confirmed within one business day before your surgery. Our experienced and compassionate staff is committed to providing you with a reassuring and secure environment. We are here to address any questions or concerns you may have regarding your scheduled procedure, so please do not hesitate to contact us.
Colonoscopy patients:
Please do not eat any solid foods or dairy products on the day before your test. Drink clear liquids only, such as water, chicken broth, apple juice, black coffee, black tea, yellow or green jello, or popsicles. Please avoid any drinks, jello or popsicles that are red or purple in color. Follow instructions for the preparation and medication that were given by your doctors office.
Surgical patients:
Please take a shower with anti-bacterial soap, as instructed. Nothing per mouth after midnight. Follow instructions for the preparation and medication that were given by your doctors office.
If you are having IV sedation or general anesthesia, you should not have any solid food, gum or candy, or anything to drink, unless otherwise instructed by our staff, on the day of your procedure. Doing so may result in the cancellation of your procedure. It is very important that you follow the pre-operative instructions. Pre-operative nurses may instruct you to take some morning medications, please do so with a small sip of water. You need to have a responsible adult accompany you home after receiving IV sedation or general anesthesia. You will not be permited to drive after receiving IV or general anesthesia. Please wear comfortable clothing and shoes on the day of your procedure, as you will be asked to change into a patient gown when you are admitted to the facility for your procedure.
Bring The Following With You The Day Of Surgery:
- Complete List of Medications
- Photo ID
- Insurance Card(s)
- Any Required Co-Insurance or Deductible
Upon discharge, you will be provided with verbal, as well as written, instructions for your care after discharge. A nurse will call to check in with you after your procedure, and answer any questions or concerns you may have. Please call your surgeon’s office directly at the phone number provided on your discharge paperwork with any concerns. We encourage you to complete one of our patient satisfaction surveys. Your feedback is very important to us.
We encourage you to contact your insurance company directly to ensure coverage. Our billing coordinator is available to answer any of your questions Payment for services rendered, including all co-payments and deductible payments, is expected in full on the day of your procedure, if not already paid in advance.
Payments acceted are: cash, cashier’s checks, Visa/MasterCard, Discover, and CareCredit. Unfortunately, we are not set up to accept personal checks.
We understand that there are times when you must miss your scheduled appointment due to emergency or other unforeseen events. In such cases, please notify the office imedialty. When you do not cancel an appointment in a timely manner, you prevent another patient from getting needed treatment from our team of surgeons. Be sure to notify our office as soon as possible if you must reschedule your procedure.
Please be advised that you will be charged $250.00 for any cancellation of a procedure with less than 24 hours notice, and this fee is not covered by insurance. Your cooperation with our cancellation policy is greatly appreciated.
