We want your surgery to go smoothly and you can help by following these guidelines, which are essential to avoid having your surgery delayed or cancelled:
- Do not eat solid foods or drink anything – including water – after midnight the night before your surgery unless you are instructed otherwise. You may brush your teeth, but do not swallow the water or toothpaste. Do not take any medications after this time unless you receive other instructions.
- You will need to bring a list of all medications you are currently taking including vitamins, herbals, over-the-counter and prescription medications. The medication dose, route, and frequency for each medication you are taking will be needed.
- Do not wear any makeup, fingernail or toenail polish.
- Do not bring jewelry or valuables to the center.
- Piercings need to be removed before surgery for your safety. Although we provide locked storage for you, we are not responsible for lost or misplaced items.
- Do not smoke the night before or the morning of surgery.
- Do not drink any alcohol for 24 hours before surgery.
- Do not bring gowns, a robe or slippers. These will be provided for you.
- Do not bring children, unless they are the patient.
- To help reduce your chance of infection, shower with Hibiclens or Chlorhexidine the evening before and the morning of your scheduled surgery. Hibiclens/Chlorhexidine soap can be purchased at your local drug store.
- Wear loose-fitting clothing. This makes it easier to dress and undress.
- Please bring pillow(s) to use in your car for your trip home.
- Do not shave your operative site. We will do that at the facility, if necessary.
- If you have previously been fitted with assistive devices such as crutches, walker, cam boot, etc., please bring it with you to the center.
- If you wear contact lenses, bring your lens container and solution. You will not be allowed to wear contacts during surgery. If you have eyeglasses, we prefer that you wear them.
- A responsible family member or friend over the age of 18 must accompany you home. Under no circumstances will a patient who has had a general anesthetic or sedation be allowed to drive home.
- If you receive an anesthetic, a responsible adult over the age of 18, must stay with you for 24 hours following your surgery.
- If your condition changes prior to surgery – such as a cold, persistent cough, fever or rash, notify your physician. You may need to be evaluated again before your surgery can take place.
- A consent form must be signed before the procedure begins. For patients younger than 18 years of age, a legal guardian or parent must be present to sign the form and remain in the surgery center for the duration of the minor’s stay.
- HIPAA privacy laws prohibit our center from leaving detailed messages without proper authorization. Accurate phone numbers where we can reach you for arrival times are very helpful.
- Please remember to call the surgery center by 2 p.m. the day before surgery if you have not already talked to a member of the Mercy River Hills Surgery Center staff. Please call by 2 p.m. Friday if your surgery is scheduled for Monday. We ask that you let us know where we can contact you the day before and the morning of surgery in case your surgery time changes.
- Plan to arrive one hour to one hour and 15 minutes prior to your surgery time.
- FMLA/STD/LTD Paperwork: a $25.00 fee for EACH SET OF PAPERWORK NEEDED – is payable at Iowa Ortho front desk, over the phone or online. Online payments can take up to 4 days to post to account. Once the fee is paid, please allow 7-10 days to process. If needing forms rushed, there is a $7.00 additional fee. For questions regarding this, please call 515-247-8400.