Surgery Scheduling
If indicated, surgical options will be discussed during a clinic visit. Patients may decide during this visit to schedule surgery or, after taking time to consider, call the surgery coordinator at 415 392-3225 x1016 to schedule the surgery.
Once the decision to schedule surgery is made, the surgery coordinator or the clinical assistant will assist in scheduling the surgery. This team will begin with patient education and preparation and help the patient set a date and time for the surgery; at the same time they will initiate insurance pre-certification for the surgical procedure whiles cheduling the required pre-surgery appointments for a history and physical, EKG, lab work and any other tests ordered by the PCP, the surgeon, and/or anesthesiologist.
Surgery Preparation
Each patient works with a surgery coordinator. Surgery coordinators provide education and coordinate preparation for the surgical patient. Patients receive educational materials and support throughout the preoperative process. The educational process is tailored to meet individual patient needs.
Patients undergoing surgery will need a history and physical done by their family physician or primary care physician. Other preparations may include; additional diagnostic testing and consultations with medical specialists.
The day before surgery, patients will complete surgery preparations, which will include diet restrictions.
The patient coordinator provides the details of these preparations and guides patients as they prepare for surgery.
Hospitalization
Most patients are instructed to arrive at the hospital on the day they are scheduled for surgery. The surgery coordinator or clinical assistant will instruct patients on arrival times.
As part of the surgery discussion, the physician will give an estimate of the length of the hospitalization. However, discharge from the hospital is more dependent on the achievement of certain goals than an estimated number of days. These goals include pain management, tolerance of activity and an understanding of discharge teaching.
No two hospitalizations are alike. Physicians and a hospital registration nurse will describe what patients may expect while hospitalized. Additional information outlining the usual course of a hospital stay will be given to most patients by the surgery coordinator.
Ordinarily discharge planning begins before admission to the hospital. The patient may be asked to fill out a discharge assessment form prior to surgery. This will aid the clinic and hospital staff in identifying patients who may require additional care after discharge. The additional care may include a transitional care facility, physical therapy, home care and/or home care equipment. The majority of patients will not require additional services and will be able to care for themselves after discharged.
Post-Surgical Information
The physician and staff will discuss the specific surgical follow-up required by the patient’s surgery prior to the surgery and again at or near discharge. Patients may be seen at intervals for up to a year or more depending on the type of surgery performed.
Questions & Concerns
Patients should contact the physician or staff at any time with questions or concerns following discharge from the hospital. During normal business hours Monday through Friday, 9am to 5pm, call 415 392-3225 to speak with a care provider. After business hours (evenings, weekends, and holidays) an on-call physician may be reached by calling the same number. Prescription refills, appointment scheduling, and routine questions will only be handled during normal business hours.