Prepare for Your Surgery
At your doctor’s office, you will complete a medical history and receive pre-surgical instructions. Prior to the surgery, call your doctor if you continue to have questions about the procedure. If the patient experiences a change in physical condition the week before surgery (such as a cough, cold or flu), call your doctor’s office immediately.
Our insurance specialist will call 3 to 5 days before the surgery to discuss your insurance benefits and any copayment or deposit you will be required to pay on the day of surgery. We require that you pay your portion before the surgery is performed. Cash, personal checks, VISA, MasterCard, Discover Card and American Express are accepted.
A member of our nursing team will call 2 to 3 days before surgery to obtain a health history and 1 day before surgery to confirm your arrival time and answer questions about the Surgery Center. The nurse will ask about medical history, anesthesia experiences, medications and supplements, and will review your doctor’s pre-surgery instructions.
Please call 305.228.7550 if you have not received a call from our nurse by 2:00 PM the day before surgery.
You must arrange transportation for you and your child to the Surgery Center and transportation home after discharge. Even patients of driving age will not be permitted to drive themselves due to the affects of anesthesia. Parents, you must remain at the Surgery Center while your child is in surgery. If you have other children, please arrange a caregiver. At home after discharge, a responsible adult must be on hand to monitor the patient’s recovery.
How long will the surgery take? For most procedures, you can expect to be at the Surgery Center 3 to 4 hours from admission to discharge. Check with your doctor about the specifics of your surgery.
At Home before Surgery
- Do not eat or drink any solids 8 hours before the surgery. That means nothing with bulk, including any kind of milk
- Clear liquids may be given up to 2 hours before the surgery start time. Clear liquids include: Pedialyte, Gatorade, water and apple juice. Liquids or solids in the stomach can cause serious, even fatal, respiratory complications. Surgery may be cancelled if the patient has anything to eat or drink after the specified time.
- Your doctor will talk with you about the specifics of your medications and supplements.
- A Nasal PCR Covid test (Rapid test are not accepted) is required for surgery. The test should be done 48-72 hours prior to surgery.
On the Day of Surgery
- Patients, please dress for comfort and safety, with loose fitting clothing and flat shoes easy to get on and off.
- If you wear glasses, bring the case for storage. Do not wear contact lenses.
- Do not wear nail polish, makeup or any hair product.
- Remove any jewelry and piercings.
- Bring a list of your medications and supplements (or containers).
- Bring a photo ID and proof of your physical address.
- Bring your health insurance card.
- Bring the patient’s Social Security Number.
- Be prepared to pay any copayment or deposit at the time of registration.
- If your child is undergoing surgery, please bring a comforting item such as a blanket or stuffed animal.