Insurance companies differ in their requirements for surgery authorization. Please contact your insurance company to notify them of your scheduled surgery. Ask how to obtain authorization and how much of the cost of your hospitalization will be covered. If you require any assistance, please call our Financial Verification Unit at (707) 646-3490.
Important Pre-Surgery Instructions
- Be sure to follow your surgeon's instructions concerning food and liquids just prior to your surgery so the procedure may proceed as planned.
- Avoid alcohol 24 hours prior to surgery.
- Do not smoke after midnight prior to surgery. Smoking can cause gastric secretions that interfere with the anesthetic you take to go to sleep during surgery.
- Stay away from illegal substances, especially just before surgery.
- Ask your surgeon to advise you on medications you take regularly including:
- Aspirin, Advil, Motrin, Aleve (naproxen), ibuprofen or Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Anticoagulants such as Coumadin, Plavix, Lovenox, and Heparin
- Allergy medications
- Herbs and vitamins
- Birth control pills
- Bring a list of your medications and the dosages.
- Shower or bathe within 12 hours of your surgery using an antimicrobial soap. Use disposable wipes or a special soap if instructed by your physician.
- If you develop a cold, fever or other illness prior to your procedure, contact your surgeon's office. Your surgery may need to be rescheduled.
- You will need a responsible adult to take you home after your surgery or hospitalization.
Storing Blood
If your physician recommends it, you may choose to donate and store a supply of your own blood before a scheduled surgery.
After Your Surgery or Procedure
Your surgeon will provide you with instructions to follow at home. Please follow them carefully to assure a smooth recovery. Here are some general guidelines:
- Never drive an automobile, operate dangerous machinery, or undertake any responsible business matters on the same day as your surgery or procedure.
- You may be able to shower or bathe after surgery per your surgeon's instructions.
- Avoid heavy lifting. Your surgeon's office can provide a weight limit.
Notify your surgeon's office immediately if you experience any bleeding or drainage from the operative site, have unusual redness or pain, or start running a temperature higher than 101°. Be on the lookout for other "danger signals" to which your surgeon may alert you.
Your surgeon or nurse will schedule a follow-up visit to the surgeon's outpatient office. Arrange to have a responsible adult escort you to your first post-op visit.