Preparing For Surgery
Items to Complete Before Surgery
Step #1 - Benefits Verification: Call your doctor’s office as soon as possible to ensure your procedure is covered by your insurance. Please give us current contact information for yourself and your emergency contact. It is important that we have up-to-date information on file.
Step #2 - Pre-Anesthesia Testing (PAT): You may need preoperative testing. If the surgeon’s office has instructed you to come to the hospital for testing, do so as instructed. Some patients may not need preoperative testing, but everyone is required to have a medical history performed by an RN at Santa Rosa Medical Center . We can take care of this by phone. However, there is no need to call us. We will contact you before your surgery.
Step #3 - Get Organized: Be certain to have a current list of medications you are taking, along with dosage and how often you take them. You will be asked for this information either when you come in for preoperative testing or when we call you for your medical history.
Helpful Hints
PAT: Hours of operation are Monday - Friday 8 a.m. - 4:00 p.m.
Joint Replacement Surgery: You will receive information by mail regarding your joint class time and date. Joint class is scheduled on every other Friday.
If you are diabetic or have high blood pressure, you will be given an appointment to be seen in PAT 7-10 days prior to your surgery.
Important Pre-Surgery Checklist
Transportation: You must have a responsible person to drive you to the hospital and home after your surgery.
Bathing: Preventing postoperative surgical site infections is a joint effort between you and your health care providers. You will receive an antibacterial and antimicrobial skin cleanser and instructions for bathing the day of surgery prior to procedure. This helps to prevent infection.
Do Not Dress Up for Us: Do not wear make-up, nail polish or jewelry. Do not use any hair products (hairsprays, gels, etc.). Wear loose, casual clothing. A jogging suit with an elastic waistband is ideal.
Do Not Eat or Drink: It is very important to remember not to eat or drink after midnight the day of your surgery or at the time given to you by your surgeon (including gum, mints and water).
Do Not Smoke the Day of Your Surgery: Smoking causes lung irritation and could cause breathing problems during and after anesthesia.
CPAP Machine: If you sleep with a CPAP, please bring it on the day of surgery.
Leave Your Contacts at Home: If you wear corrective lenses, do not wear contacts. Bring along your extra glasses.
Be Sure to Let Us Know If You Are Pregnant: If you are pregnant, or even think you might be, notify your surgeon and anesthesiologist immediately.
Valuables: Leave your jewelry, money and other valuables at home.
Medications: Take medications as directed by the pre-anesthesia/day surgery department with only a sip of water unless directed by your physician. Bring a list of your regular medications, your dose and how often you take them.
If You Feel Sick: In between scheduling your surgery and the day of your surgery, if you develop a cough, cold symptoms or fever, be sure to notify your surgeon.
If You Have a Beard: You may be asked to shave your beard on the day of the surgery.
Visitors in Pre-Op: Visit our Patients and Visitors page for the latest information on Santa Rosa Medical Center's visitor policy.
Parking Area: The visitor’s entrance (see map below) offers a secure and convenient parking area with easy hospital access.
Surgery Waiting Area: Our waiting area is located on the second floor and visitors may wait inside the patient’s room.
Learn more about what to expect when you come in for your procedure.