Preparing for Surgery at FOI

Though Florida Orthopaedic Institute orthopedic specialists typically favor a conservative approach to treatment; sometimes surgery is required to offer you the best outcome. Should your physician recommend surgery, you should understand that you are in a world-renowned orthopedic surgical facility whose surgical specialists are among the most highly trained of their kind in the United States.

Click here to watch a brief video about our surgery center.

Pre-certification

Our surgery pre-certification department verifies insurance coverage and, where required by the insurance company, obtains authorization for surgeries. Prior to surgery, the pre-certification collector will contact you if it is determined you owe a copay, deductible, or coinsurance for the physician’s portion only. These will need to be paid prior to the date of surgery or the surgery may need to be rescheduled.

Prior to Your Surgery

Tests Prior to Day of Surgery

If your physician orders lab tests, prior to surgery you will need to arrange for them to be performed either at your primary care physician’s office or an outside laboratory approved by your insurance company. Our office does not perform these tests. The facility where your surgery is being performed will contact you to inform you of the time to arrive the day of surgery.

Food

We recommend that you do not smoke or consume alcohol for at least 48 hours prior to surgery. We recommend eating a light dinner and drinking fluids the evening before your surgery. Please do not eat or drink anything after midnight of the evening prior to your surgery. If a clear liquid diet is specified, some suggestions include black coffee, tea, apple juice, or pulp free orange juice. Please note that milk is not included in a clear liquid diet. The anesthesiologist or nurse from the facility will provide you with instructions on which medications you are allowed to take immediately before your surgery. If instructed to take any medications they are to be consumed with only a sip of water.

Dress

  • Please wear comfortable, loose clothing appropriate for the procedure being performed.
  • Nail polish, makeup, jewelry, and watches should not be worn the day of surgery. Possible exceptions should be specifically discussed with the pre-op nurse or anesthesiologist.
  • Do not bring any valuables with you. You may wear dentures and glasses to the facility; however, it is recommended that you bring the case to place them in during surgery. Florida Orthopaedic Institute is not responsible for any lost or misplaced items.
  • Bathe or shower the night before surgery.
  • Remember to bring your photo identification and insurance cards, any facility coinsurance/copay amount due, and any forms your physician’s office has provided to you.

Transportation

We require that you make arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you the first night following your procedure. We further require that your ride remains in the facility during your stay.

For your safety, if you are unable to make arrangements for a responsible adult to drive you home and stay with you, your procedure will be cancelled or rescheduled.

Medical Issues & Tests

If you suspect that you are pregnant, please notify your physician and anesthesia personnel. A pregnancy test will be performed on all women of childbearing age prior to surgery, as anesthesia and medications may be harmful to the developing fetus. If you experience any health changes between your last visit to your physician and the time of your procedure, please notify your physician immediately. Please report even minor changes, such as an elevated temperature, cold, or cough.

For more information pertaining to surgery, visit the Florida Orthopaedic Institute Surgery Center