Preparing for surgery

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

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 on the day of surgery.

We recommend that you do not smoke or consume alcohol for at least 48 hours before 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 considered a clear liquid. 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.

• Please wear comfortable, loose clothing appropriate for the procedure being performed.
• Do not wear nail polish, makeup, jewelry, or watches on the day of surgery.
• Possible exceptions should be specifically discussed with the pre-operative nurse or anesthesiologist.

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 for completion..

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.

The night before surgery, we recommend you:

• Bathe or shower
• Eat a light dinner and drink fluids
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight
• Confirm travel arrangements to and from surgery
• Do what you can to get a good night’s sleep

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 canceled or rescheduled.

If you suspect that you are pregnant, please notify your physician and anesthesia team. 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.