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Important Instructions Concerning Your Surgery at Summa St. Thomas Hospital

Knowing what to expect can ease any uncertainties you may have about your upcoming surgery.

Before Your Surgery

You may register for your surgery two ways:

  • Call registration, (330) 379-8620, Monday through Friday, between 8 a.m. and 4:30 p.m., leave a voice mail message, including your name, date of surgery, telephone number and convenient time to contact you, and a representative will return your call.
  • Wait for a representative to call you to complete registration over the phone.

Insurance Coverage
Verify insurance coverage for the scheduled procedure. Insurance forms and cards can be presented when you register. We require prepayment if you have no insurance coverage. You may use MasterCard or Visa to meet prepayments and the estimated portion of your bill due upon discharge.

A representative is also available at these times to discuss your financial needs, if applicable:

Financial Counseling
(330) 379-5395
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.

Workers' Compensation
(330) 379-8627

Important Phone Numbers
Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center Pre-Admission Testing
(330) 379-5360
Monday through Friday
7 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center First Floor Orthopaedic Same Day Surgery
(330) 379-5207
Monday through Friday
6 a.m. to 8 p.m.
Saturday
6 a.m. to 3 p.m.

Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center Joint Inpatient Center
(330) 379-5421
Monday through Friday
6 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.

Blood Bank
(330) 379-5224
Monday through Friday
7 a.m. to 3:30 p.m.

Crystal Clinic Main MRI
(330) 670-4000

Summa St. Thomas/Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center MRI
(330) 379-8620

Extremity MRI / Kent
(330) 673-6299

Pre-Surgery Education Classes
1 (800) 237-8662
Spine Class
Total Joint Class

Scheduling
Your surgeon's office staff will schedule your surgery.

Medications
Medications you take frequently or regularly should be discussed with your doctor and the anesthesiologist or the nurse who calls you prior to surgery.

Alcoholic Beverages
Do not drink alcoholic beverages for at least 24 hours prior to surgery.

Anesthesia
Your surgeon may provide local anesthesia. General, regional or monitored anesthesia care is provided by a physician anesthesiologist and nurse anesthetist. You will be able to discuss your anesthesia options with an anesthesiologist on the day of your surgery.

Surgery Time
Your scheduled surgery time is approximate. Although we do not want your surgery to be delayed, please be aware there are circumstances when this may occur.

Accompanying Family Member or Friend
If you are undergoing an outpatient procedure, plan ahead to have a family member or friend accompany you to the hospital. A responsible adult 18 years or older must be available to accompany you home, as you will not be able to drive for 24 hours after your surgery.

Pre-Admission Testing
Within 30 days of your surgery, you will need to undergo certain tests. Please arrive 15 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment time. This appointment should last a little more than an hour. Free parking is available at the Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center at Summa St. Thomas Hospital by parking in the parking deck or using valet services.

On the day of your appointment, report to Pre-Admission Testing at the location of your appointment. You will need to bring any papers your surgeon gave you, along with your insurance cards, a list of all medications (including non-prescription and herbal therapies), a list of any allergies and a copy of your completed advance directives, if appropriate.

At the time of your pre-testing, you will:

  • Register for the day of surgery and have an opportunity to ask insurance questions
  • Speak with anesthesia personnel
  • Receive the latest information concerning your instructions before your surgery
  • Meet with a registered nurse who will ask for your medications and medical history
  • Have a short physical exam
  • Receive post-surgery education
  • Have laboratory testing and cardiogram completed, if indicated

Advanced Beneficiary Notice for Medicare Insurance Carriers
Medicare insurance carriers may be asked to be financially responsible for tests that are ordered but may not be covered by Medicare. If this applies to your testing, your registrar will explain which tests and answer any questions you may have.

Latex Allergy
Specific nursing care measures will be taken when a patient has a history of a latex allergy to minimize the risk of an allergic/anaphylactic reaction. A patient will be identified as having a latex allergy if he/she has ever had any skin rashes or breathing problems after contact with:

  • Band-aids, balloons, gloves, condoms or other rubber products
  • Bananas, avocados, chestnuts, kiwi, papaya or other tropical fruits
  • Dental or surgical visits

It is very important to notify your surgeon prior to the day of surgery if you have a latex allergy. Whenever you are asked about allergies, add latex to the list for all medical and dental procedures.

Advance Directives
If you have an Advance Directive, the Surgery staff and surgeon need to be made aware of this document. Consistent in the Surgery Centers Standards with the administration of anesthesia during your surgical procedure, your Advance Directive will not be implemented during your surgical procedure or stay.

In the event a hospital admission becomes necessary, notification that an Advance Directive exists will be communicated to hospital personnel upon arrival. Please inform us if this is a concern.

It is very important to follow the next set of instructions; otherwise it may be necessary to delay or cancel your surgery.

Eating, Drinking, Taking Medications
Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the evening before your surgery. This will help to prevent vomiting during the surgery, which could result in serious complications or death. You may take any medications that you are instructed to with a sip of water. Failure to follow these instructions will result in the cancellation of your surgery.

Illness, Cancellation
Please call us immediately if you develop a cold or other illness before the day of your surgery so we may evaluate your situation further. If you develop signs of infection at or near the surgical site (cuts, scratches, bites, burns, etc.) before your surgery, please call your surgeon. If you cannot keep your surgery appointment for any reason, please call us.