Podiatric Surgery

 

 

 

Pre-Operative Information

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Welcome

Thank you for considering The Center For Special Surgery for your upcoming procedure. We’re committed to quality health care.  Proof of this commitment is our Accreditation by The Joint Commission. We’ve been awarded accreditation because we strive to provide the very best care possible, and we’ve proven it by meeting The Joint Commission’s standards for high quality health care.  We look forward to providing you with state of the art medical care with a personal touch of comfort and attention to ensure that you remain comfortable throughout your stay. The following will answer the most commonly asked questions.

 

Before Your Procedure

Please remember it is extremely important that you follow your physician's instructions regarding preparation.

MEDICATION 

**If you take any medications on a daily basis and your physician has not discussed this with you, please consult our nursing department as to taking them on the day of surgery.

FOOD CONSUMPTION 

**If you are having sedation, do not eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight prior to the day of your procedure unless otherwise directed by your physician or a surgery center staff member.

VALUABLES  

**Please leave all valuables including jewelry, money and credit cards at home.

CLOTHING  

**Please wear loose fitting, comfortable clothing that will be easy to put on following your procedure.

PRE-OP TESTING  (for IV sedation only) 

**If you are under 50 years old and healthy, we do not require that you have any testing done, unless otherwise stated by your doctor. If you are over 50 years old we require that you have a physical, bloodtest and EKG done. If you are over 60 years old we require that you have a physical, bloodtest, EKG and chest x-ray done. **If you are taking any medications for your heart, blood pressure or diabetes, or have any other medical problem, you must have a physical, bloodtest and EKG done, REGARDLESS OF AGE** All test results need to be sent to us at least 24 hours prior to your procedure. 

View more details about pre-operative testing HERE.

 

Day Of Procedure

You will be notified a day or two before surgery by our nursing staff to review instructions and confirm your admission time.  You will be asked to arrive at the center approximately one half hour prior to the scheduled procedure unless otherwise specified by your doctor. When you arrive at the center you will need to present your insurance ID card as well as a photo ID and any forms that may be required by your insurance company.  If you are married and your spouse has additional insurance coverage, please bring this information along with his/her social security number. Following admission to the center, you will be asked to change into a hospital gown and slippers. Cotton underwear may be left on. A nurse will then obtain your health history and complete a physical assessment.  You will be visited in this pre-operative area by your physician and an anesthesiologist if desired, and will have the opportunity to ask any last minute questions. When it is time for your procedure, you will be escorted to the surgery center's specially equipped operating room.

 

During Your Procedure

Your physician, an anesthesiologist, if required, and at least one nurse will be present with you throughout the length of your procedure to monitor your status and help you feel as comfortable as possible. Light sedation is most common and is administered by a Board Certified Anesthesiologist.  This method has been designed to ensure a pleasant and relaxed experience for our patients. After your procedure, you will be escorted to the recovery area for a short time until you are fully alert.  Recovery from light sedation may take up to one half hour, however, a few individuals may require a longer period of time. Once alert, you will be offered a light snack. Your doctor will visit you in the recovery area and he/she will have the opportunity to answer some of your questions immediately.  Please keep in mind that the results of any biopsies or cultures taken require a few days to be evaluated and your physician will discuss these with you once he/she receives the results.

 

Your Discharge

You will not be permitted to drive yourself home following discharge from the surgery center.  You must have a responsible adult driver, 18 years or older and we request that you handle these arrangements in advance. Your companion or driver may choose to stay in our waiting area throughout the period of your procedure, or a staff member will be happy to make a telephone call for you when you are prepared to leave the facility.

We strongly recommend that you not make plans for the remainder of the day because you should go home and rest.

View more detailed post-operative instructions HERE.

 

Home Care

If you are in need of additional assistance while recuperating at home, your doctor can arrange for home care licensed by the New Jersey State Department of Health.  Should you require additional assistance at home, arrangements must be made through your doctor's office.

 

Billing

The center will bill your insurance directly for your surgery including all supplies.  In addition, your insurance company will be billed separately by your surgeon, anesthesiologist and, if applicable, the laboratory where specimens or cultures have been sent.

 

Privacy Practices

The privacy of your medical information is important to us.  We understand that your medical information is personal and we are committed to protecting it. We create a record of the care and services you receive at our facility including any test results that you may have concerning your general health and your specific condition. This information is kept confidential and is generally shared only with your physician(s) and insurance company but may also be disclosed to your lawyer (if applicable and with a signed release) and certain governmental agencies and oversight organizations.  We will not sell your name to any marketing or fundraising companies. View all patient disclosures HERE.