Patient Education

Surgery FAQs

Gather relevant insurance information, including completed forms and your health plan insurance card or Medicare card, and bring them with you the day of your surgery.
Make certain that, if your health plan requires it, you have obtained approval or pre-certification for your surgery.
One of our nurses will be calling you to compile a health history.
You will be contacted the day prior to surgery to inform you of your arrival time. Your arrival time is approximately one hour before surgery.
Make dependable arrangements with a friend or relative to drive you home after your surgery. You will not be released to drive yourself home if you have had anesthesia or pain medication.
Make arrangements for a friend or relative to stay with you for the remainder of the day and the night following your surgery.
Make dependable arrangements for child care, if you have children.
If you are on medication, check with the surgeon to see whether you should take it the night or morning before your surgery.
If you have any health changes prior to your surgery, such as minor elevations in your temperature, a rash, a cold, or cough, contact your surgeon at Lakeshore Surgicare immediately.
If you suspect that you are pregnant, contact your surgeon; medications may be harmful to your developing child.

Do not put solids in your mouth after midnight. This includes gum, candy, lozenges, mints or antacids. Failure to follow these instructions may cause cancellation of your procedure.
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight.
When you brush your teeth, rinse your mouth without swallowing. • Do not use any tobacco products the day of your surgery.
Shower or bathe to minimize the chance of infection.
Do not wear make-up.
If appropriate, bring insulin or your inhaler with you.
Wear loose comfortable clothing to avoid pressure on your surgery site.
Wear flat, preferably slip-on shoes.
Jewelry is not allowed in the surgical room; please leave jewelry and valuables at home.
If you wear contact lenses, bring your lens supplies and glasses.
Bring relevant insurance information, including completed forms and your insurance or Medicare card.
Arrange for someone to drive you home and stay with you for 24 hours.
Bring a list of all medications you are currently taking. We will also ask you about any allergies you might have.
For young children who are undergoing surgery, please bring a comforting toy, blanket, pacifier or bottle (for after surgery). For children under the age of 18, a parent or legal guardian must sign a surgery consent form.

Please arrive at the instructed time of your scheduled surgery, this is typically within 1-2 hours prior to surgery time.
Check in at the Reception Desk, where we will review your insurance information.
Please bring a photo ID, such as a driver's license and your insurance or Medicare card.
You will be asked for your insurance co-pay or deductible payment unless prior arrangements have been made with our Patient Accounts representative.
If you have other questions or concerns, please notify the nurse who helps prepare you for surgery. He or she will answer your questions or have your doctor visit you before you go to surgery.
After your surgery, when you are awake, a friend or family member may join you in the Phase II Recovery Area.
When you are fully awake and alert and it is safe to do so, a staff member will go over specific instructions for your at-home care and you will be discharged.
Upon discharge, a friend or family member must take you home and should stay with you for 24 hours. You will not be released to drive yourself home if you have had general anesthesia, sedation, or pain medication.