Important Instructions Concerning Your Surgery at Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center 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 Monday – Friday, between 8 a.m. to 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.
Pre-Surgery Education Class for Knee or Hip Replacement Surgery
You may attend a free two-hour class prior to your surgery at St. Thomas Hospital. The class is taught by one of our care coordinators and a therapist who will answer your questions about what to expect when you have surgery and recovery. You also receive free valet parking on the day of class.
Classes are held every Monday and Tuesday, except on national holidays (Memorial Day, Labor Day, etc.) from 10 am to noon. Class size is limited to 8 patients and their coaches.
Call (330) 670-1003, Monday through Friday from 8:30 am to 4:30 pm, to reserve your spot in one of our classes.
Important Phone Numbers
Crystal Clinic Orthopedic Center Hospital
(330) 670-1005
Monday through Friday
5:30 a.m. to 9 p.m.
Hospital Pre-Admission Testing
(330) 670-3508
Monday through Friday
8 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Hospital Same Day Surgery
(330) 670-3505
Monday through Friday
6 a.m. to 7 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
Pre-Surgery Education Classes
Spine Class
Total Joint Class
Scheduling
Your surgeon’s office staff will schedule your surgery. The office may need to schedule a visit to the Surgery Center for a Pre-Admission Testing appointment before the day of your surgery. At this time, a nurse will familiarize you with our facility and take your health history and give you pre-surgery instructions.
Medications
You should discuss medications your frequently or regularly taken medications with your doctor 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. Your surgeon’s office staff will call you before surgery to let you know the time of your surgery.
Accompanying Family Member or Friend
Plan ahead to have a family member or friend accompany you to the Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center. 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. Please limit family or friends to a limit of 2.
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 Orthopedic Center at 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:
- 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
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. Please adhere to the instructions you received regarding eating and drinking before your surgery. Take medications as directed on the day of surgery with a sip of water.
Illness, Cancellation
Please call the office 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 the Crystal Clinic Orthopaedic Center at (330) 668-4040 or (800) 662-4043, ext. 4201.