Surgery time: You will be contacted by staff the day before your surgery to let you know what time to arrive. You will go home the same day (unless otherwise instructed).
Insurance info: Dr. Bodendorfer’s office will pre-certify your surgery with your insurance company. Please provide us with the most up to date information regarding your insurance. Your benefits will be verified. If you are under Workman’s Compensation, written authorization will be obtained before scheduling surgery.
Pre-operative testing: Dr. Bodendorfer will let you know what pre-operative testing is required when you schedule your surgery. For anesthesia purposes the information MUST BE completed and sent to the office AS SOON AS POSSIBLE PRIOR TO SURGERY. If the information is not received or incomplete, your surgery may be cancelled. This will include either a simple set of labs or preoperative clearance visit with your primary care provider and/or cardiologist.
Plan time off of work/school: You will likely need time off of work/school. This varies based on the amount of time you spend on your feet, lifting requirements, commuting etc. Please submit any necessary disability paperwork/request necessary documentation from the office prior to surgery. You may fax the requested paperwork to the office. Please include the ADDRESS OR FAX NUMBER where you would like this submitted and the DATE you would like to return to work. Please plan ahead and allow 7 days for completion.
Physical therapy: You will be informed when to start PT based on your specific surgery. Pick a physical therapy clinic near your home that you will be able to get to easily so you can be compliant with your program.
Medications
Purchase: Hibiclens wash (CVS, Walgreens, Target, Wal-Mart, Amazon) Wash the surgical area with the Hibiclens wash the night prior to surgery and/or the morning of surgery.
Stop: Motrin, Advil, Ibuprofen, Aleve, Naproxen, Mobic, Aspirin, Herbal supplements and vitamins seven days prior to surgery.
Limit: Use of narcotic pain medications (if you take them). This will make it easier to manage post op pain. (examples: Norco, Vicodin, Percocet)
Contact your primary doctor: If you take Coumadin, Lovenox, Ticlid or any other blood thinners. Your doctor will need to help manage starting and stopping these medicines. Please make Dr. Bodendorfer aware if you take these medications.
Morning of surgery: If you normally take cardiac or thyroid medications in the morning, take with a small sip of water. If you are diabetic and take LONG ACTING insulin, take HALF of your AM dose.
DO NOT take the following medications the morning of surgery:
- Diuretics (or any blood pressure medications with a diuretic component)
- Oral diabetic medications
- Regular (short acting) Insulin
The night before surgery: DO NOT eat or drink anything after midnight. Do not smoke after midnight. Meds can be taken with a small sip of water.
Wash with HIBICLENS soap and repeat the morning of surgery.
What to bring with you to surgery?
- Comfortable clothes to wear home
- A family member or friend to drive you home
- A list of medications and medical problems to provide to anesthesia team
- Your pharmacy number so we can call in your medications if not already filled
