The Day Before Surgery: You will receive a telephone call providing you with information on where and when to arrive at the hospital and instructions on how to prepare for your specific surgery. You will be given directions for taking over-the-counter and prescription medicines and herbal remedies, and instructions on when to stop food and beverages.

The Day of Surgery: Note: It is important that you arrive on time to complete all necessary paperwork and change into a surgical gown.

If you’ve already had pre-admission testing, you do not need to register. Go directly to the Ambulatory Procedure Unit Check-In area on the third floor (unless given other instructions during your phone call). A receptionist will greet you.

(Note: Shoulder/Elbow Center patients should go to the second floor. Philadelphia Hand Center at Methodist patients should go to the third floor’s Hand Center.)

If you have not had pre-admission testing, you should proceed to the Registration area, located on the first floor, adjacent to the lobby. Once registered, you will be directed to the third floor to check-in and for pre-admission testing.

In consideration of all patients and their families, we ask that no more than two people accompany you to the hospital on your day of surgery. Family and friends who accompany you are invited to wait in a private surgical waiting room on the first floor, where a receptionist is available to help answer any of their questions or concerns.

Your family and friends can visit once you have been moved to the Ambulatory Procedure Unit for recovery. Since this is not a private recovery room, we encourage only one or two visitors at a time.
Once you are discharged, we will be happy to assist you to your vehicle.

What to Bring:

• A list of all medications you are taking, with dosage information (including herbal remedies, vitamins and over-the-counter medications); any allergies to medications (including latex and anesthesia); and a family history of surgeries and any complications resulting from anesthesia or surgery.
• Any essential medications, in their original, clearly labeled containers.
• Any necessary referrals.
• Any required equipment, such as CPAP, walkers, canes, etc.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing on the day of surgery. If you will be staying overnight, we recommend a small overnight bag with some toiletries and a couple of loose-fitting outfits that are easy to put on and take off.
• Leave all valuables at home.