Preparation

Preparing for any surgery requires organization so that the stress associated with surgery is less and your body is able to heal as quickly as possible.  It is our job at Center for Women’s Health to aid in this process so that your healing can be maximized.  The following will need to be considered:

 Weeks Prior to Surgery

1. Time off work:  this will need to be addressed with your individual physician depending on the surgery performed and any paperwork will need to be submitted as soon as possible.
2. “Pre-op” visit with your physician will be made 7-21 days prior to your surgery date to discuss and sign consent for surgery.  This time is allotted to review risks, benefits and potential complications.
3. Any underlying medical problems addressed by other physicians, may need to be “cleared” by that physician prior to your surgery.
4. Billing/Insurance issues:
   •  Our office will pre-certify with your insurance company ONLY Physician charges for your surgery, this does not include surgical assistant fees (which may not be covered by your insurance), hospital charges, lab/pathology charges or anesthesia charges. 

 **It is YOUR responsibility to check on coverage of other fees with your insurance company.

Any personal financial responsibility will be determined before surgery and payment arrangements made. It is our policy to collect unmet deductible and co-insurance prior to surgery.  For in-office surgery, payment can be made the day of surgery.  For in hospital surgery, payment is expected at the pre-op appointment when consents are signed.   If these are not met, you take the risk of cancellation.   

Think of those daily/monthly tasks that will need to be addressed during and after your surgery.  Plan for help at home whether it is with cooking, cleaning, shopping, etc….   Your job is to heal and rest….NOT to take care of others.  So enlist the help of friends, family and neighbors.

 

Have a list of all your medications and make sure you have Ibuprofen, Benadryl, Stool softener (Colace) and Acetaminophen available and on hand at home.  Hot water bottle or heating pad may also be helpful.

Day Prior to Surgery

1. Remember you must NOT have anything to drink or eat 8 hours prior to your scheduled surgery (that includes coffee and water).
2. Be at the hospital 2 hours prior to your surgery and bring all medications you are taking with you.

After Surgery

1. Post surgery instructions will be given to you prior to you leaving the hospital with plans for follow-up visit(s) in the office.  Restrictions on diet and activity will also be discussed.
2. Post surgery problems such as fever (above 101), increase in pain or bleeding or redness to incisional areas, are reasons to call the office. 
3. Most (but not all) of these visits are included with your surgery depending on the number of recovery days decided by your insurance company.   If these visits involve separate non-surgical problems, there will be a charge and you will be responsible for your insurance copay or portion that is not covered by your insurance company.