Pre-authorization and health insurance coverage
Your health insurance benefits will be verified by your surgeon and the hospital. In addition, prior authorization or “pre-certification” for surgery must be obtained before your admission to the hospital.  Your surgeon’s office will work with you to obtain all the necessary approvals and authorizations in advance – however, you should confirm that all of your paperwork is in order prior to your scheduled surgery. 

Dental work
Any pending dental work should be completed before surgery in order to reduce the risk of infections during recovery.  

Blood storage
Before your operation, your surgeon may ask that you store your own blood at the hospital where your surgery will be performed.  You and your surgeon should discuss whether this option is right for you.

Pre-admission work-up (pre-op medical exam)
2 weeks prior to surgery you will have a pre-admission physical at your doctor’s office.  The work up usually includes:

• Routine blood and urine test and a physical exam
• Chest X-ray and electrocardiogram (depending on your age)
• Your orthopedic surgeon may consult with your primary care physician for medical clearance for your surgery

Planning for your Stay
It is very difficult to remember all the details about your upcoming surgery and hospitalization.  The following checklist may help you out.

No food or water after midnight on the night before surgery.
To reduce the risk of vomiting when you are under anesthesia, do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the night before your surgery, or on the morning of your surgery.  This includes water and coffee. It is extremely important you understand and follow this rule since breaking it can lead to cancellation of your surgery or a change in the types of anesthesia available to you.

If you take daily medications, confirm with your doctor which ones you are allowed to take before surgery, and those you should not.
If your primary doctor recommends that you take your regular medicine on the day of your surgery you should take it with only a few sips of water.

Arrange for someone go to the hospital with you.
Have a family member or close friend go with you to the hospital on the day of your surgery.  They can help fill out paperwork and make you feel more comfortable. You will probably be admitted to the hospital on the day of your surgery, so plan on arriving early.

Feeling under the weather?
If you develop a cough, cold, or fever, call your surgeon as soon as possible prior to your surgery.  It is sometimes necessary to reschedule surgery when a cold or fever develops.

Get a good night’s rest before surgery.
Try to relax and take it easy on the night before your surgery. A good night’s sleep will go a long way in easing your nerves.

Take a bath or shower the night before your surgery.

Confirm that the correct surgical body site will be marked prior to your anesthesia and surgical procedure.

Wear loose, casual clothing to the hospital.
Plan on wearing loose-fitting garments when you go to the hospital.  This way you will have comfortable clothes to wear home when you are discharged.

Do not wear make-up, mascara, contact lenses, or nail polish to the hospital on the day of your scheduled surgery.

Leave all jewelry and other valuables and cash at home.
On the day of surgery, bring only what you will need for the first 24 hours, like a toothbrush, glasses, or dentures/receptacle.

Pack a bag in advance.
You should pack a bag in advance for someone to bring you the day after surgery.  Since it’s very easy to forget to include an essential item, the following lists some items you may wish to include:

• Insurance card(s)/driver’s license
  • You may want to make a copy of this information to bring along (instead of taking your originals)
• Robe and slippers (rubber-soled are best)
• Underwear
• Toiletries and personal grooming items
• Alcohol-based hand-sanitizing gel or wipes
• Calling card to make phone calls, and a list of important numbers
• Notebook/pen to keep notes and write down questions
• Books or magazines
• Toothbrush/toothpaste
• Comb & brush
• Razor
• Other personal hygiene items

Plan to have a responsible friend or relative take you home on discharge day, if possible.
Before surgery you should have a good idea of how long you will be in the hospital.  It is very important that you have a family member or other trusted friend pick you up at the hospital on your discharge day.                                           

If you are unable to arrange for someone to come for you, contact Hospital Social Services or Patient Services for assistance as soon as you are able.  They may be able to arrange for a car service to bring you home.

Make sure that your doctors and others members of your healthcare team know about all the medicines you are taking and any allergies you may have.  Plan on bringing a list of all the medicines you are currently taking to the hospital: Prescription List all your prescription medicines, along with their exact dosage and frequency This list should also include Over-the- counter medicines Vitamins, herbs, or supplements

Your healthcare team should also be informed of any/all allergies you may have to medicines, food, environment (dust, mold, fragrances), or metals (titanium, chromium), and what exactly happens when you have an allergic reaction.