We want you to feel prepared when you come to the Good Samaritan Hospital at Evendale for a procedure. Your doctor will discuss the specifics with you, but here are some general guidelines. Please ask your physician questions if you feel unprepared or uncertain in any way.
Preparing for Surgery
Your physician will discuss your surgery with you during your office visit. Your surgical procedure will be scheduled at that time. Please be sure to tell your doctor about any existing medical conditions and any medication that you are currently taking.
After your surgery has been scheduled with your physician, the office will give your information to our scheduling coordinator. You will then receive a phone call from a member of our nursing staff to obtain a basic health history and to receive our preoperative instructions. You may also call us at 513 454 2515 to receive your instructions. It is very important that you speak with someone from the Hospital prior to your surgery.
A member of our business office staff will contact your insurance company to verify benefits and eligibility. You may be contacted by a member of our business office staff regarding your insurance coverage and your portion of the bill due on the date of service. They will discuss the fee for your surgery, as well as your copayment, coinsurance, or deductible that may be payable by you. It is suggested that you contact your insurance company as well to verify your benefits.
If you have had any preoperative tests or a history and physical performed within 30 days prior to surgery, please ask your physician to fax or send the reports to us (Attn: Pre-Op Call Nurse) prior to the date of your surgery. Our fax number is 513 454 2500.
Before surgery, you should follow these important safety rules which are critical to your well being. If you do not follow these guidelines, you operation may have to be delayed or cancelled.
- Make arrangements for a responsbile adult, over the age of 18, to drive you home after surgery.
- It is our policy that the responsible adult remain in the building for the duration of your surgery.
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery unless your doctor or anesthesiologist instructs otherwise. This includes foods, liquids, water, candy, gum and breath mints.
- If guardianship or a power of attorney is in effect, you must provide it to the center in advance or on the day of your surgery.
- Do not smoke or use any tobacco products after midnight the night before your surgery.
- Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before or after your surgery.
- You may brush your teeth or rinse your mouth the day of surgery, provided nothing is swallowed.
- Medications:
- If you take insulin or any other routine medication, your doctor or anesthesiologist will tell you how to take your medication the day of surgery.
- If you take a blood thinner (such as Courmadin, aspirin, Plavix or a generic equivalent), please notify your surgeon when scheduling your surgery. Insufficient notification could cause rescheduling of your surgery.
- You may take your normal heart, blood pressure, breathing, or seizure medication the morning of surgery with a small sip of water.
Failure to follow these instructions can cause serious complications.
If you have any questions or concerns regarding your care, please discuss them with the nurse who calls for your preoperative interview. In addition, feel free to call the Hospital at 513 454 2222.
The Day of Surgery
If you are unable to keep your appointment or you are delayed, please contact the center immediately at 513 454 2222. Please follow these guidelines:
- All jewelry should be removed prior to surgery. Therefore, it is best to leave all jewelry and other valuables at home or with a family member.
- Bring your driver's license or identification card and health insurance cards with you. Depending on your insurace, you may also be asked to pay your copay, coinsurance, and/or deductible.
- Choose low-heeled shoes and loose, comfortable clothing which is easy to put on, take off and that can be easily folded. Avoid garments that pull over your head. Sleeves and pant legs should be loose enough to fit over bandages if necessary.
- Remove all make-up and your contact lenses, if you wear them.
- If applicable, bring the following items with you:
- A protective case for contact lenses or eyeglasses
- Dentures
- Hearing aid/s
- Crutches or walker (ask your doctor if you will need)
During your preoperative interview, you will be instructed about what time to arrive at the Center. Please check in at the front desk upon arrival to register. A nurse will escort you into the preoperative area where your pulse, temperature, respiration, and blood pressure will be taken. You will be asked to change into a gown provided by the Center. Until you are ready to be discharged, your valuables will be placed in a secured locker or given to the person who has accompanied you to the Center. It is our policy that a responsible adult remain in the building for the duration of your surgery. Both your anesthesiologist and surgeon will visit with you prior to surgery. Depending on the type of surgical procedure and other factors, you may walk or ride into the operating room for your surgery. Anesthesia will be administered there.
After your surgery is completed, you will be moved to a recovery area until you are ready to go home or admitted for an overnight stay. Here you will be offered a light snack or something to drink (please do not bring food from home).
Children must not be left unattended in the waiting room and will not be permitted in restricted areas for their own safety and the safety of our patients. If you choose to bring children along to the Center, please be sure that they have adequate supervision.
After You Leave the Center
In most cases, depending on your procedure, you will be ready to leave the Outpatient Center 1-2 hours following completion of your surgery. Prior to discharge from the center, you will be given specific instructions from your physician regarding your postoperative care.
- For your comfort and safety, we remind you of the following:
- Have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.
- Take it easy until your physician says you can return to your normal routine.
- It is natural to experience some discomfort in the area of the operation. You may also experience some drowsiness or dizziness depending on the type of anesthesia you receive or on the amount of pain medication you are taking at home.
- Follow your physician's instructions regarding diet, rest and medication.
- Do not drive, operate heavy machinery or power tools, cook, drink alcoholic beverages, make legal decisions, or take any medications not prescribed by your physician for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
- Contact your physician if you feel you are having problems after surgery. If you cannot contact your doctor but feel your concerns warrant a doctor's attention, call or go to the emergency room closest to you.
- It is very important to remember -you must have an adult, over the age of 18, to drive you home after the surgery.
The day after surgery, a member of the Center staff will call to see how you are doing. If your surgery is on a Friday, you will be contacted on Monday. If we can't reach you by phone, a letter will be mailed to your home address. You may contact us during business hours at 513 454 2222.