Patient Information

Surgery Preparation – What You Need to Know Before Your Visit to Santa Fe Surgery Center

Your safety and well-being always come first, and we go out of our way to ensure you’re educated and prepared through each step of your procedure. Here are some basic tips and guidance, though your service team may provide additional instructions suited to your specific surgery. Rest assured you will be informed of all applicable protocols before your appointment.

Before Surgery

Once your procedure has been scheduled, you will receive a courtesy call from one of our friendly staff members outlining what steps to take to prepare, including instructions (click here to download info sheet) regarding when to stop taking certain medications and suspend food and liquids, if necessary. You’ll also be given instructions on what you should bring with you, including any medications and supplements you take, insurance provider information, any up-front payments, and the name of the designated friend or relative who will drive you home afterward.

Food and Drink

  • If you are arriving BEFORE noon: Do not eat or drink liquids after midnight the night before your surgery; if your physician has indicated different food and drink instructions, continue to follow their guidelines

  • If you are arriving AFTER noon: You may eat toast with jelly six (6) hours prior to your arrival time but avoid dairy, egg, and meat products after midnight. You may have clear, non-alcoholic liquids up to six (6) hours before your arrival time. If your surgeon has indicated different food and drink instructions, continue to follow their guidelines

  • DO NOT chew any gum or use mints, hard candy, etc. after MIDNIGHT, the night before your surgery, unless advised otherwise by your anesthesia provider

 

Downloads

ALLERGIES & MEDICATIONS
For a handy list you can download, fill out and bring with you detailing the prescription and OTC medications, vitamins, herbs and/or supplements you take, click here.

SURGERY DAY CHECKLIST
For a printable version of general surgery preparations, click here.

Billing & Insurance Information

For information about billing and insurance, please click here. If you have questions beyond what is available, please email us.

The Day of Surgery

We recommend the following protocols the day of your procedure:

  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing and low-heeled shoes.

  • Remove any makeup, skin lotion, nail polish, jewelry, watches, etc. and contact lenses if you wear them.

  • You may brush your teeth, but be mindful not to swallow water while doing so.

What to bring with you:

  • Bring any necessary insurance copayment, coinsurance or deductible with you.

  • Bring any instructions given to you by your surgeon.

  • Current Allergies and Medications sheet filled out (click here to download).

  • Take only necessary medications (such as heart or blood pressure meds) with a small sip of water as instructed by your doctor or anesthetist.

If applicable, bring:

  • Eyeglasses with case

  • Dentures with case

  • Hearing aids with case

  • Crutches, walker, fracture boot or other walking aid

  • Eye kit (for eye surgery patients only)

Please note that you must have someone you know over the age of 18 drive you home from your procedure. We also highly recommend that your designated person stay with you for 24 hours following surgery, if possible. We regret that we cannot discharge anyone without a friend or family member appointed to drive them home. Taxis and rideshare services (Uber, Lyft) are not eligible to be designated drivers.

When to Notify Us

Please contact us immediately if you develop an elevated temperature, cough, cold, flu-like symptoms, vomiting or diarrhea at any time between your last visit with your surgeon and the day of your surgery. Please notify us before your appointment if you suspect that you may be pregnant, or if you took blood thinners or blood thinning medicines or supplements, including aspirin, ibuprofen and fish oil, or heartrate-elevating medications like diet pills, 1-2 weeks prior to surgery. If necessary, we will be happy to reschedule your appointment.

Your physician has scheduled your surgical procedure at SFSC. The staff has already begun the process to make your visit to the facility as comfortable and stress-free as possible.

Prior to surgery, you may receive a phone call from your pre-admission nurse who will speak with you regarding your information. You will be given instructions regarding what time to arrive at the center the day of your surgery (This call is usually done the day before surgery).