Preparing for Your Surgery

It is very important that you read and understand all of these instructions. Please be sure to call our office if you have any questions.

INSURANCE COVERAGE:  It is the patient's responsibility to verify their insurance coverage. Please contact the following to discuss your responsibilities prior to your surgery:

1. Downtown Surgery Center - (407) 650-0051
2. Orlando Hand Surgery Associates - (407) 841-2100
3. JLR Anesthesia Group - (407) 667-0505

SURGERY TIME:  This has been coordinated with both the doctor's schedule and the surgery center's schedule. Often times the schedule will vary due to emergencies/cancellations. Because changes occur, we ask that you b available to come at any time should a last minute change occur. We ask for your patience as we try to be as prompt as possible.

PRE-ADMISSION TESTING:  Testing is done prior to your surgery either at the hospital or surgery center. Lab testing may consist of blood samples that can not be done sooner than 7 days prior to surgery. An EKG or chest x-ray may be required depending on your age and/or medical condition. An EKG done within the last 6 months is acceptable. Please have this faxed to the surgery center at (407) 650-0019. The need for lab work or an EKG will be determined when the nurses at the surgery center receive and review the medical history from your surgeon's office. If you have not heard from the surgery center or you have questions, please call to speak to one of the nurses at the number listed above.

NOTHING TO EAT:  DO NOT EAT OR DRINK ANYTHING (including gum or candy) 8 hours prior to surgery. Any exceptions to this may be found on the Downtown Surgery Center instruction sheet. Please do not smoke 8 hours prior to your surgery. YOUR SURGERY MAY BE CANCELLED IF YOU FAIL TO FOLLOW THESE INSTRUCTIONS.

TRANSPORTATION HOME:  Arrangements will be needed for a ride home following surgery, regardless of the type of anesthesia you have. A responsible adult should be with you for the first 12 to 24 hours following surgery. Your discharge time will depend on the type of anesthesia you receive and your reaction to the anesthesia. Generally, patients receiving local, monitored anesthesia care (MAC) or regional anesthesia (axillary block, bier block) may be discharged within 30 - 45 minutes after surgery. Patients receiving general anesthesia may be discharged within 60 - 120 minutes. These times are estimates and may be less or more depending on when the patient meets discharge criteria.

CHARGING/BILLING:  Charges for your surgeon, surgery center, anesthesia (and pathologist or lab, if required) will be billed separately to your insurance carrier. You may receive a bill from any of these entities for the balance of the charges.

If you have any questions regarding your surgery, please call the Downtown Surgery Center at (407) 650-0051.