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Preparing for Surgery


 
  1. Stop taking any medicines and supplements that may thin your blood (see handout called “Medications to avoid before surgery”).

    * If you take blood-thinning medications such as Coumadin® (Warfarin), Eliquis® (Apixaban), you should contact the prescribing provider to determine when to stop taking these medications.

  2. For minor aches and pains, we recommend that you take Tylenol (Acetaminophen) as long as you do not have an allergy to this medication.

  3. If you develop a cold, sore throat, flu-like symptoms or other illnesses 24-48 hours before surgery, please notify our office during business hours as soon as possible. Your surgery may need to be rescheduled depending on the severity of your symptoms.

  4. Do not drink or eat anything after midnight the day before surgery. Do not chew gum or suck on lozenges or candy.

  5. Blood pressure medications and anti-seizure medications may be taken the morning of surgery with a very small sip of water.

  6. If you are an insulin-dependent diabetic, you may need a reduced dose of insulin on the morning of surgery. Please discuss this with your Primary Care Doctor or Endocrinologist.

  7. Abstain from using all recreational drugs and from smoking for 2 weeks before surgery.

  8. Remove all piercings, jewelry, dark nail polish and fake nails before your surgery. Wear loose clothing.

  9. You cannot drive for 24 hours after surgery. Therefore you must have a ride home after your surgery. You may not take an Uber, taxi or public transportation.

  10. An adult should be with you for the first 24 hours after surgery.

  11. The facility where you will be having surgery (hospital or surgery center) will call you 1-2 days before your surgery to let you know when to arrive and where to check-in/register upon your arrival.

  12. Please schedule a pre-operative visit with your primary care physician for to obtain medical clearance to undergo general anesthesia. This must be completed within 14 days of your surgery. Your doctor should then send a copy of your History and Physical exam (H&P) note stating that you are cleared for surgery to our office. If the medical clearance if not received by 48 hours before your surgery, it may be cancelled.

  13. If you see a Cardiologist (heart specialist), a Pulmonologist (lung specialist) and/or a Hematologist (blood specialist) you may also need clearance by this doctor to undergo surgery.

  14. The tests listed below must be completed before you undergo general anesthesia. Please take these orders to your pre-op appointment with your Primary Care Doctor. Your doctor will then send a copy of the results to our office. If pre-op test results are not received by 48 hours before your surgery, it may be cancelled.

    PREOPERATIVE BLOOD WORK AND TESTS
    1. CBC
    2. PT (INR) and PTT
    3. Comprehensive Metabolic Panel
    4. EKG with interpretation and signature
    5. CXR PA/L with reading

  15. If you would like us to complete disability, medical leave or any other paperwork so you may take time off after surgery please fax it to our office at least a week prior to your surgery. Please fill in your portion of the paperwork before sending it to us.

  16. Our office will verify your insurance for eligibility and pre-notification requirements. You are responsible for meeting your deductible and co-insurance. If you have any concerns please call your insurance company for clarification. Please note that in addition to a bill from our office, you may receive bills from the anesthesiologist, the pathologist and the facility.

  17. Postoperatively, endoscopic debridements will be performed to clean your sinuses and ensure you are healing properly. The codes used to bill for debridements were created by the Centers for Medicaid and Medicare Services and do not differentiate where the services are performed. Therefore, your insurance statement/bill may reflect this procedure as a surgery even though it is performed in the office. The price of debridements varies depending on your insurance plan and you are responsible for any co-payments that may apply.