Preparing for Surgery
This page includes information of interest to patients having surgery at Mid-Columbia Medical Center, including a downloadable copy of the patient admission form, required of every patient. Please print out a copy here and fill in all the information. When you pre-register for your surgery at our Patient and Visitor Services Desk, please have the following items with you:
- your patient admission form
- any PRE-OP packet/papers from your doctor
- your insurance and/or Medicare cards
- completed advance directives
We look forward to making your hospital visit as comfortable and soothing as possible.
Pre-Registration
You may pre-register for surgery at any time. No appointment is necessary. Our Patient and Visitor Services department is located at the Emergency entrance. As you enter, you will see this area to your left. When you pre-register for your surgery at our Patient and Visitor Services Desk, please have the following items with you:
- your patient admission form
- any PRE-OP packet/papers from your doctor
- your insurance and/or Medicare cards
- completed advance directives
Registration on Surgery Day
We encourage you to pre-register for your surgery at least 24 hours prior to your procedure. Pre-registration is a safeguard, so we can make sure any required lab or x-ray tests have been completed. Please note that incomplete lab or x-ray tests may result in your surgery being delayed or postponed. Your doctor may instruct you to register the day of your surgery, in which case you will want to arrive at least one hour before your scheduled procedure.
Preparing for Your Surgery
Your doctor will give you specific instructions to follow. In most cases, you should not eat or drink (not even water, coffee or gum) after mid-night the night before your surgery. Please note that improper preparation may delay or postpone your scheduled surgery.
Surgery Day
Your doctor will tell you what time to arrive at the hospital. If your doctor has not given you a specific arrival time, call the office the day before your surgery. Please be available by telephone 24 hours prior to your surgery, should we need to contact you.
On the day of your surgery, you must check in at Patient and Visitor Services, which is located through the Emergency entrance just to the left as you enter. You will be escorted or directed to the Same Day Care department on the fourth floor.
Please bring with you a current list any prescription medications, herbal supplements, vitamins or over the counter drugs you use regularly, including doses and number of times per day taken.
The surgery schedule may be slower than expected so bring along a good book, deck of cards, handwork, etc., to help pass the time. We also have an activity room full of books, magazines, puzzles and videos for you and your family.
Please leave your valuables (rings, watches, money etc.) at home. You will also be more comfortable if you wear clothes that can be taken off and put on easily such as sweatpants, a button down shirt, or a soft t-shirt.
Same Day Discharge If you are to be discharged the day of your surgery, you will return to the Same Day Care unit following your surgery. Because you will receive anesthetic medications during your surgery, you will not be allowed to leave the hospital alone. Please arrange for someone to drive you home. Your driver should pull up to the main hospital entrance and ask the switchboard operator to notify Same Day Care that your ride has arrived.
You will be discharged according to your doctor’s instructions. Before your discharge, you will be given instructions for self-care and a follow-up appointment with you doctor.
For your comfort and safety after discharge, do not operate any machinery or drink alcoholic beverages. For the first 24 hours, take only those medications specifically ordered for you by your doctor.
Admission for Overnight Stay
If you are admitted to the hospital for an overnight stay, your room will be assigned and your family informed while you are in the recovery room after surgery. If you have any questions about your scheduled hospital stay, please call 296-7215.
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