Before You Arrive

Do I need to have tests done before my surgery?

Testing may be requested (EKG, lab work and/or chest x-ray) depending on your age and physical condition. Your physician will order any required tests. Please have any tests completed as soon as possible and have the testing facility fax a copy of the results to Hoag Orthopedic Institute Surgery Center - Newport Beach at (949) 630-4998.

What about my medications?

Bring a list of all medications and current dosages that you’re taking. This list should include prescription and non-prescription medications as well as herbal or vitamin supplements. If you have a history of heart or lung trouble, your regular cardiologist or internist may be asked to give a medical clearance.

If you take medications regularly, you should be told by either your doctor of the nurse at the Center which medicines to take before surgery. If you are diabetic, you will need special dosing instructions from your Primary Care Physician on your insulin or oral medications in preparation for surgery. Please contact your physician for this information.

What time should I arrive for surgery?

You will be given a time of arrival from a surgery center representative during the pre-operative call after 1:00 pm the business day before surgery. We do not provide specific arrival times prior to this due to multiple changes in the schedule from cancellations, equipment needs, and other factors.

Please arrive no later than one hour before your scheduled procedure, unless you are given other instructions. Occasionally our schedules run ahead of time. If you are not at home on the day of surgery, or you are from out of town, please call us with the telephone number where you can be reached. We may call and ask you to come in earlier.

Can I eat or drink before my surgery?

You should not eat or drink after midnight the night before your surgery, unless otherwise directed by a nurse at Hoag Orthopedic Institute Surgery Center - Newport Beach. You may be instructed to take routine medications (blood pressure and cardiac medications) the morning of surgery. Take these medications with only a small sip of water.

What if I have a cold or a scratch near the surgical site?

Contact your doctor if there are any changes to your health such as a cold, fever, chills, abrasions to the surgical site, or other illness.

What should I wear?

Wear loose clothing and comfortable shoes. Do not wear any jewelry or body piercing. For shoulder surgery patients, bring a front buttoning shirt that is two to three sizes larger than normal so that you will be comfortably covered with your shoulder bandage in place. Leave all valuables at home except your insurance card and form of payment if required.

What should I bring?

Please bring your insurance cards the day of surgery. You will need to fill out paperwork, so bring your glasses. If you wear hearing aids, please leave them in. If you have been provided with a Pre-Anesthesia Medical History Questionnaire please bring the completed questionnaire with you. If you did not receive a questionnaire you may download one here. If you have any co-pay, co-insurance or deductible amount, please bring your appropriate form of payment and driver’s license.

What can I expect the day of surgery?

You will need to check in at the front desk of the surgery center at your scheduled check-in time. You are required to have a ride home, however they do not need to wait the entire time, your recovery room nurse can phone them ½ hour before discharge. If the patient is a minor a custodial parent must remain in the facility the entire time. Please leave young children or siblings at home.

Sometime an unavoidable delay occurs if another surgery goes longer than planned. Your understanding will always be appreciated when there is a delay.