Pre-Surgery Instructions
One to seven days before the procedure or surgery at the Main Campus Surgery Center, a nurse will call you. You may get more than one call. If you have not been contacted by 4 p.m. the day before the procedure or surgery, call (614) 722-2920.
During the call, the nurse will get a health history and discuss the following information:
- Current health status – recent or current sickness, like a cough, cold, fever or rash.
- Arrival time – this is usually 2 hours before the surgery or procedure, depending on the location
- Questions about parking and directions
- How long you should plan on staying at the hospital or procedure or surgery center
- Eating or drinking restrictions
- If you do not follow the eating and drinking instructions, the procedure or surgery may need to be canceled and rescheduled for another day.
The Night Before
- Make sure the patient washes well with a fresh bar of soap or liquid anti-bacterial soap. Give special care to all the skin folds. Rinse all areas well. Dry well with a clean towel.
- Remove nail polish and acrylic nails.
- Remove all jewelry, body piercings, subdermal implants, hair braids, beads and extensions. If extra time is needed for any of these, please plan in advance.
- Shampoo and rinse hair with water.
- Do not use lotions, creams, or powders.
- Do not shave the area where the procedure or surgery will be done.
- The patient should dress in freshly washed clothes.
- Make sure to pack a box or case to hold contacts and removable appliances.
Things to Think About Before the Procedure or Surgery
The following are things you can start organizing and planning as soon as the procedure or surgery is scheduled.
What to Bring
- All medical insurance information, like insurance cards and forms. You will need to present your photo ID at the time of registration. You are responsible for being aware of, and in compliance with, your insurance policy requirements. Be sure to check to see if insurance pre-certification is needed ahead of time. If you have questions about insurance or billing, call (614) 722-2055.
- All legal guardianship or custody papers, if it applies
- Adults, age 18 and over, should bring a copy of advance directives if they have one.
- If your child is having a procedure or surgery, bring a favorite comfort object. This could be a pacifier, toy or a blanket.
- List of all medicines and dosages
Visitors & Transportation
- Please limit visitors to two adults at a time.
- Please make other arrangements for the care of siblings.
- People scheduled for a procedure or surgery must arrange for a designated driver to take them home afterward.
Vaccinations & Illnesses
- Because vaccinations can cause a mild fever or illness, when possible, avoid vaccinations 1 week before and 1 week after the procedure or surgery. If the patient has received any recent immunizations, please let the health care team know during the patient call. If there are any questions about this, contact your location.
- For safety reasons, we may need to reschedule the surgery or procedure if the patient becomes ill. You can help prevent an illness by staying away from anyone who is ‘not feeling well’ and by practicing good handwashing. Make sure to call the doctor’s office if the patient is ill, gets a rash or develops a sore before the surgery or procedure.