Patient Information

Preparing for surgery

Your physician will discuss your operation with you during your office visit. Your surgical procedure will be scheduled at that time. Please be sure to tell your doctor about any existing medical conditions and any medication that you are currently taking.

After your surgery is scheduled with your physician. The office will give your information to our scheduling coordinator. You will then receive a phone call from a member of our nursing staff to obtain a basic health history and to receive your preoperative instructions.  You may also call us at 812-206-7660 to receive your instructions. It is very important that you speak with someone from the Center prior to your surgery.

A member of our business office staff will contact your insurance company to verify benefits and eligibility. You may be contacted by a member of our business office staff regarding your insurance coverage and your portion of the bill due on the date of service. They will discuss the fee for your surgery, as well as your copayment, coinsurance, or deductible that may be payable by you. It is suggested that you contact your insurance company as well to verify your benefits.

 If you have had any preoperative tests or a history and physical performed within 7 days before surgery. Please ask your physician to fax or send the reports to us (Attn: Pre-Op Call Nurse) prior to  the date of your surgery. Our fax number is 812-206-7650.

Before surgery, you should follow these important safety rules which are critical to your well being. If you do not follow these guidelines, your operation may have to be delayed or cancelled.

• Make arrangements for a responsible adult, over the age of 18, to drive you home after surgery
• It is our policy that the responsible adults remain in the building for the duration of your surgery
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery unless your doctor or anesthesiologist instructs otherwise. This includes foods, liquids, water, candy, gum, and breath mints.
• If guardianship or a power of attorney is in effect, you must provide it to the center in advance or on the day of your surgery.
• Do not smoke or use any tobacco products after midnight the night before your surgery.
• Do not drink alcohol for 24 hours before or after your surgery.
• You may brush your teeth or rinse your mouth the day of surgery, provided nothing is swallowed.
• Medications
• If you take insulin or any other routine medication, your doctor or anesthesiologist will tell you how to take your medication the day of surgery.
• If you take a blood thinner (such as Coumadin, aspirin, plavix or generic equivalent), please notify your surgeon when scheduling your surgery. Insufficient notification could cause rescheduling of your surgery
• You may take your normal heart, blood pressure, breathing, or seizure medication the morning of surgery with a small sip of water.

If you have any questions or concerns regarding your care, please discuss them with the nurse who calls for your preoperative interview. In addition, feel free to call the Center at 812-206-7660.

The day of surgery

If you are unable to keep your appointment or you are delayed, please contact the center immediately at  812-206-7660.

• All Jewelry must be removed prior to surgery. Therefore, it is best to leave all jewelry and other valuables at home or with a family member
• Bring your driver’s license or identification card and health insurance cards with you. Depending on your insurance, you may also be asked to bring your copay, coinsurance, or deductible
• Choose low-heeled shoes and loose, comfortable clothing which is easy to put on, take off and that can be easily folded. Avoid garments that pull over your head. Sleeves and pant legs should be loose enough to fit over bandages if necessary
• Remove all make-up and your contact lenses, if you wear them
• If applicable, bring the following items with you:
• A protective case for contact lenses or eyeglasses
• Dentures
• Hearing aid/s
• Crutches or walker (ask your doctor if you will need)

During your preoperative interview, you will be instructed about what time to arrive at the center. Please check in at the front desk upon arrival to register. A nurse will escort you into the preoperative area where your pulse, temperature, respirations, and blood pressure will be taken. You will be asked to change into a gown provided by the center. Until you are ready to be discharged, your valuables will be placed in a secured locker or given to the person who has accompanied you to the Center. It is our policy that a responsible adult remain in the building for the duration of your surgery. Both your anesthesiologist and surgeon will visit with you prior to surgery. Depending on the type of surgical procedure and other factors, you may walk or ride into the operating room for your surgery. Anesthesia will be administered there.

After your surgery is completed, you will be moved to a recovery area until you are ready to go home or admitted for an overnight stay. Here you will be offered a light snack or something to drink (please do not bring food from home).

Children must not be left unattended in the waiting room and will not be permitted in restricted areas for their own safety and the safety of our patients. If you choose to bring children along to the Center. Please be sure that they have adequate supervision.