• A Pre-Admission Testing program (PAT) which allows you to receive required tests before the day of your surgery. Please park in front of the hospital at the main entrance for PAT. Valet parking is available.
• Convenient nearby parking is available on the ground floor of the parking garage.
• A separate registration area to avoid delays.
• A spacious waiting area for your family.
• Private pre-operative and recovery areas so your family can be with you before and after your surgery.
• Consultation rooms where your doctor can talk privately with your family after your surgery.
• Use the Baptist East Web site to pre-register for tests and procedures online. Registration must be completed at least 24 hours in advance.
• A Pediatric Education Program for children and their parents.

Patient instructions

Pre-Admission Testing for surgery

With Baptist East's Pre-Admission Testing program, you can have tests done up to seven days prior to the date of your surgery, unless directed otherwise by your physician. Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 7 a.m.-4 p.m. Pre-Admission Testing is closed on Sundays and holidays.

Your surgeon's office will let you know of your scheduled appointment for Pre-Admission Testing, or you may arrange your appointment by calling (502) 897-8044.

Before you arrive for your tests, please bring the following items:

• Any papers/orders from your doctor's office.
• Bring bottles of medication with you to the hospital, with the dosage and times they are to be taken.
• If you have had an EKG, chest X-ray, or any special exams recently, please call your doctor's office for a copy.
• A copy of your Living Will, if you have one.
• Notify your surgeon at the hospital if you are currently taking diet pills. You must discontinue taking diet pills two weeks prior to your surgery.

Preparing for your outpatient surgery/morning admission

For your comfort and safety, please follow these instruction carefully:

On the night before your surgery:

• Take a complete bath or shower.
• Do not take any medications after midnight, unless specifically ordered by your doctor or a Pre-Admission Testing nurse.
• Do not drink alcoholic beverages for 24 hours before your surgery and avoid heavy foods.

On the day of your surgery:

Make sure you bring the following items with you to the hospital:

• Any written orders your doctor has given to you.
• Copies of any EKG, chest X-rays or special exams you've had recently.
• Any medications you are currently taking.
• Any forms or insurance cards requested when the Admitting office called to pre-register you.
• Your eyeglasses and glass case.
• Your hearing aid, if necessary.
• Your C-PAP machine, if you use one during sleep.
• A pair of clean socks to wear during your surgery.
• A Living Will, if you have one.
• Children may want to bring a book, favorite toy or blanket.

DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING (INCLUDING WATER, CHEWING GUM OR MINTS) BEFORE SURGERY UNLESS INSTRUCTED BY YOUR PHYSICIAN OR PRE-ADMISSION TESTING NURSE. EATING OR DRINKING CAN INCREASE THE POSSIBILITY OF PROBLEMS, AND YOUR SURGERY MAY HAVE TO BE DELAYED OR CANCELED.

• If you are diabetic, check with your doctor about the use of insulin or oral hypoglycemic agents. If you take nitroglycerin, bring it with you to the hospital.
• Do not smoke on the morning of your surgery.
• Do not wear make-up, jewelry or contact lenses.
• Leave your valuables at home.
• Notify your doctor if there is any change in your physical condition, such as a cold, fever or infection, that may cause your surgery to be delayed.
• Make sure you have someone available to take you home and stay with you.

Arriving at the hospital

Plan to arrive at the hospital an hour-and-half to two hours before your surgery is scheduled. This is necessary to allow enough time for thorough surgery preparation.

When you arrive, follow the signs and park in the SURGERY parking area on the ground floor of the parking garage. DO NOT park in the Emergency/Outpatient parking area near Kresge Way. You may use the valet parking service for a minimal charge.

When the nurse is reviewing your medical history, please make sure you report:

• Colds, fevers or infections.
• In case of a child, any serious or chronic illness the child has had and if any family members have had trouble with anesthesia.
• Any special orders your doctor has given you.
• Any medication you have taken or brought with you from home.
• Any allergies.
• Dentures, including permanent dentures such as bridgework, caps or crowns.

While you are undergoing surgery, your family may remain in the waiting room. When your surgery is over, your doctor will meet with your family in a private consultation room to discuss the operation. The average time spent in the Recovery Room (PACU) is one to two hours.

After your surgery

After your surgery you will remain in the hospital until your physician, anesthesiologist, and nurse have determined it is safe for you to go home.

Depending on the type of anesthetic you have received, you may be taken to Phase I Recovery, where you will remain until you awaken, or you may go directly to Phase II Recovery, where your family can rejoin you.

While you are recovering, you will be checked often by your nurse. You may feel dizzy, tired or nauseous. Before you can leave the hospital, your nurse will make sure that you are able to be safely discharged home.

IF YOU HAVE RECEIVED ANESTHESIA OR INTRAVENOUS MEDICATION (AN IV) DURING YOUR SURGERY A RESPONSIBLE ADULT MUST COME INTO THE UNIT TO PICK YOU UP, RECEIVE INSTRUCTIONS FOR YOUR CARE AND DRIVE YOU HOME. IF SOMEONE IS NOT AVAILABLE, YOUR SURGERY WILL BE CANCELED.

If your surgery is performed under local anesthetic, a responsible adult is not required, but is recommended, and someone should always be available in case of an emergency.

At home

When you return home, please:

• Call your doctor immediately if severe dizziness or any other alarming symptoms or emergency should occur.
• Do not take any medications unless specifically prescribed or discussed with your physician.
• Do not attempt to drive or operate any hazardous machinery for 24 hours.
• Resume your food intake slowly, starting with chipped ice and sips of soda, ginger ale or lemon/lime drink.
• Avoid alcoholic beverages for 24 hours after medication or anesthesia.
• Do not make important or critical decisions immediately after your surgery.
• Make your follow-up appointment.

If you're admitted to the hospital

Baptist East attempts to meet your every need. If you will be admitted to the hospital after your surgery, a room assignment will be made accordingly. A private room cannot be guaranteed due to limited availability.

Financial arrangements

Before your surgery, you should contact your insurance company to see how much your policy will pay. If your policy requires a pre-certification number, check with your physician's office staff to make sure it has been obtained.

If you do not have insurance, please contact the Financial Counseling Manager at (502) 897-8243 before admission for an explanation of Baptist East's deposit requirements for uninsured patients.

When you come to the hospital, bring your insurance identification card. Your physician, anesthesiologist, surgical assistant, radiologist and pathologist are not employees of the hospital. They will bill you directly for their services.

Important reminders

Before surgery:

• Arrange to have a responsible adult with you. Children must be accompanied by a parent or legal guardian. YOU WILL NOT BE PERMITTED TO LEAVE CHILDREN ALONE AFTER YOUR OPERATION.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight on the morning of your surgery.
• Follow all of instructions listed on this page.

After surgery:

• Make your follow-up appointment.

If you have further questions regarding your surgery, please contact your physician.

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