Weill Medical College of Cornell University

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Preparing for Surgery

We aim to make your admittance to the hospital proceed as smoothly and as comfortably as possible. One way to ease any concerns you may have is to familiarize yourself with the process before you arrive. Therefore, in this section, we will give you some details about what you can expect when you come to NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital/Weill Cornell Medical Center to undergo a surgical procedure.

Before Admission

• Surgery will normally be scheduled during or soon after a visit with your surgeon. Your primary physician may be asked to clear you for the procedure and other consults may be ordered for you.
• After checking with your insurance company, the office will help schedule you for the necessary laboratory and other tests (blood work, a urine specimen, an electrocardiogram (EKG), and a chest x-ray) prescribed by your doctors. You may be given prescriptions to do this at an outside laboratory (like Quest 1-800-631-1390) or at your Internist’s office. You may eat before all of these tests.
• You should be given pre-operative instructions. You should ask to speak with a Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician Assistant before surgery to make sure you understand the instructions and that your test results are normal.
• When you schedule your surgery, you should be given an instruction sheet about what to expect after surgery (include specific name of this form in quotations so patients can identify this). This instruction sheet will be explained to you by a Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician Assistant.
• If you develop any new symptoms or illnesses after scheduling your surgery but before your surgery date makes sure you speak with a Nurse, Nurse Practitioner, or Physician Assistant before surgery.
• A surgical coordinator will check with your insurance company regarding fees and necessary pre-authorizations. You should be notified of this information before your surgery.
• Please be sure to ask any member of your healthcare team if you have further questions about your upcoming surgery.

The Day Before Your Surgery

You will need to call (212-746-5299) between 4:00 p.m and 7:00 p.m. the evening before the scheduled surgery to find out the time and place for your arrival. If the surgery is scheduled for Monday, call on Friday. If it is scheduled after a holiday, you will need to call evening before the holiday.

The Day of Your Surgery

• Once you arrive at the surgery unit, you will be given pajamas and slippers in a bag and will be taken to a changing room. If you have brought an overnight bag, it will be taken to the nurses' station on your unit.
• You will receive an identification bracelet.
  
• A member of the Admitting staff will go over your insurance before or at the time of admissions. On or before admission, you will be asked to pay in full for estimated charges not covered by your insurance. The hospital accepts cash and major credit cards for payment.
• A nurse will then interview you in a private interview room and ask you some general health questions. Be sure to report any fever, cough, infection, or new medications your doctor may not already have on file. The nurse will also conduct a brief examination including taking your temperature and blood pressure, measuring height and weight, and listening to your heart through a stethoscope. You will then be taken to the waiting room to wait for your surgery.
• An intravenous line may be inserted in your forearm for anesthetics and other medications.
• You will meet with the medical team involved in your surgery. This may include your surgeon, the anesthesiologist, and various other healthcare professionals.
• Before you are taken to the operating room, you will sign a consent form.
• You will be transported on a stretcher to the operating room.
  
• A Nurse Liaison is available from 10:30 a.m. until 7:00 p.m. to update any family members or friends who may be in the waiting room during your surgery.
• When you are ready to leave the recovery room, you will be taken to your hospital room. A member of the Escort Service will delivery your belongings to the Nurses Station of your assigned floor.