Preparing for Surgery

Preparing For SurgeryTo expedite your check-in process, a Pre-Admission Nurse will be contacting you prior to your date of service.  You will be receiving from your physician, an information packet which will include Notice of Patient Rights and Responsibilities, Physician Ownership Disclosure, the center policy regarding Advance Directives including a description of applicable state health and safety laws and patient health history.  These are also accessible on this website. The Pre-Admission Nurse can be reached at 856-797-8333, prompt 1.

A Pre-Admission Nurse will call you prior to your surgery to collect information about your health and to review any pre-operative instructions.

A business office clerk will call you on the business day before your surgery to inform you of your arrival time and to answer any questions you may have.

If you have not received a call by 3:00 p.m. the day before your surgery or have additional questions, please call us at 856-797-8333.

It is important for you to follow these guidelines before surgery to prevent delay or cancellations.

Food and Drink
The night before your surgery you may eat a light meal before 11:00 p.m. Do not drink or eat anything after midnight—not even coffee or water unless otherwise instructed. You may brush your teeth, remembering not to swallow anything.

Pain patients may have clear liquids –no citrus, dairy, cream or fats– six (6) hours prior to your procedure IF you are having sedation.

Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol for at least 12 hours before your arrival.

Smoking/Tobacco
No smoking/tobacco after midnight the night before your surgery.

Clothing
Wear loose, casual, comfortable clothing to fit over dressings.

Makeup, Nail Polish, Jewelry (including body jewelry)
Please remove all these items before surgery.

Valuables
Please leave valuables at home.

Notify The Center & Your Surgeon If:

  • You have an elevated temperature, cough, cold, vomiting or diarrhea between your last visit to the surgeon and the day of your surgery.
  • You suspect you may be pregnant.
  • You are taking: diet pills, aspirin, ibuprofen, blood thinners, or certain herbal medicines. You may need to stop taking these 1-2 weeks before your surgery. You can discuss this with your surgeon.

What You Need The Day Of The Surgery:

  • Information To Bring: Insurance cards, photo ID, Medicare or Medical Assistance information, numbers, and addresses.
  • Driver: You must plan to have someone drive you home. Do not plan to use taxis or other public transportation.
  • Escort: A friend, relative or dedicated caregiver MUST stay with you for 24 hours.
  • Legal Guardian: A legal guardian must be in the center AT ALL TIMES for dependent adults.
  • Interpreter: If the patient cannot read or speak English or uses sign language to communicate, an interpreter is required. If you need assistance arranging for an interpreter, please contact the Scheduling department 856-797-8333 as soon as possible.