Surgery at HCHC

Your Surgical Experience

Depending on the type of surgery/procedure you are having, and what type of anesthetic you will receive, you may need to have some pre-op testing performed. This may include blood tests, EKG, chest x-ray, or other x-rays. If you are a woman, you will need to have a pregnancy test done unless you have had a hysterectomy, tubal ligation, or are past menopause. It is preferred that all tests be completed 2-3 days prior to surgery. 

Your surgeon will give you a Blue folder with several items enclosed. Please bring this folder with you both when you have pre-op testing done and when you come for surgery. Inside the packet is a Patient Questionnaire that you need to complete prior to coming for surgery. There is also bathing instructions and surgery instructions that your surgeon will review with you. A map of HCHC is also included, as well as pre-op testing orders. 

Inpatient or Outpatient?

Your physician will schedule as an Outpatient or an Inpatient depending on the type of surgery you will be having. Most of our patients come into the hospital the day of surgery, and are admitting through our Ambulatory Surgery Unit (ASU). If you are scheduled as an Inpatient, you will be admitted to the nursing unit after surgery. If you are an Outpatient, you will return to the ASU after surgery and be discharged when the surgeon feels you are ready. Many Outpatients are taken to the nursing unit, spend the night there, and are discharged the next day. This is called “23 hour” observation, and is still considered to be Outpatient surgery.

Registration

Once your surgeon has scheduled you for surgery, you may receive a call from registration for billing information. You will also receive a call from the Pre-op Surgery Nurse, or ASU nurse 1-3 days prior to your scheduled day of surgery. She will verify your medical history, review your medications, and verify your time of arrival to the hospital.  

On the day of surgery, please arrive at the time you were instructed to and be sure to bring along the following information:

• your insurance cards and forms
• Social Security Card
• Complete list of medications, including names, dosage and frequency
• The blue packet received from your surgeon, with forms completed
• A copy of your Advance Directives, Medical Power of Attorney, etc.
• A parent or guardian must accompany a minor.  Guardians must bring proof of guardianship.