Mishawaka Pre-Surgical Patient Checklist

A surgical procedure has been scheduled for you or someone close to you. The surgical experience requires pre-planning to help ensure the surgery proceeds as scheduled. Please utilize this checklist to help you with your before-surgery preparation. By following this checklist, our goal is to have you as relaxed and ready for surgery as possible.

• Have any testing done that your surgeon may have ordered including blood tests, x-rays or EKG.
• Registration will contact patients to pre-register them if possible. 
• Call the pre-surgical testing team at 574.335.1114 Monday through Friday 8 am to 6 pm to complete your profile. Please have the following information available when you call:
  • The names of your current medications, herbal remedies/supplements, and over the counter (OTC) medications, including dosages and frequency.
  • Your entire medical and surgical history including allergies.
  • The names of any specialists you see and any testing/exams/procedures you have had in the last six months. Our team may need to obtain these records prior to surgery.
• Confirm you have a responsible adult to be present at discharge and will drive you home.
• Stock up on food that is easy to prepare, such as soup, crackers, clear soda, and frozen foods.
• Plan for easy access to your bathroom, if possible.
• Check with your surgeon’s office or insurance company to be sure you have the referral, pre-certification, or other required approvals.
• If your surgeon instructs you to donate blood, please do so.
• Ask your surgeon if any special equipment will be needed when you return home, such as crutches, walker, braces/slings, etc. Obtain these items prior to surgery and have them with you on the day of your procedure.
• Ask your surgeon to estimate your time off work.
• Drop off family medical leave papers at your surgeon’s office before your surgery.
• Do not drink alcohol during the 24 hours before surgery.
• Do not eat or drink anything (including candy and gum) after midnight the night before your surgery, unless you are told that you can by your doctor or the hospital.
• You may brush your teeth and rinse your mouth; avoid swallowing the water. If you have been told to take any medications, take them with a sip of water.
• Check with your surgeon if you are taking any of the medications listed below. You may be instructed by your surgeon to stop taking a medication before surgery.