Washington Institute Orthopedic Center
Welcome
Washington Institute Orthopedic is pleased you have chosen us for your surgical needs. We are committed to working with you for a comfortable stay and quick recovery.
Please read this patient guide carefully: It includes important information about your upcoming surgical visit.
Please let your personal or family physician (family practitioner, internist, cardiologist, pediatrician) know you will be having surgery.
Surgical Pre-Admit and Pre-Surgical Evaluation
All surgical patients will be contacted by the Surgical Pre-Admit nurse prior to surgery. A complete pre-surgical evaluation is an important part of the surgical process. Depending on your age, medical condition and type of surgery you may have to undergo certain pre-operative test. You can chose to have these test preformed at your personal physician’s office or at a local medical center.
Confirming Your Surgical and Admission Time
The pre-admit nurse will call you the day prior to your surgery between 11a.m. and 3 p.m.
Eating and Drinking Before Surgery
Guidelines:
• Please do not eat anything after midnight
• You may have clear liquids until 3 hours before your check in time
Examples of clear liquids: Water, black coffee or tea, soda pop, boullion, plain jello, clears apple juice, Gatorade, and popsicles.
Avoid: Orange juice, tomato juice, juices with pulp, milk or milk products and creamers.
• During the three hour immediately before you surgery, you must have nothing by mouth, this includes gum, lifesavers, breath mints, cigarettes or chewing tobacco.
• It is vital for your safety that you observe these restrictions, since any stomach contents can be potentially life threatening. If you do not follow these instructions, your surgery may be cancelled.
• The pre-admit nurse will instruct you on which medications to take after midnight on the day of surgery
• Take the required medications with very small sips of water.
Preparing For Surgery
• Bring someone with you who can drive you home after you are discharged.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothes.
• Do not wear make up or lipstick
• For your safety, rings, jewelry and body piercing must be removed prior to surgery.
• On the day of surgery, please stay close to your phone in the event there is a change in your arrival time
Valuables
You will need to bring payment for your discharge medications, co-payments and/or deductibles. Please leave other money, credit cards, jewelry and other valuables at home.
Insurance
Please bring your insurance card and/or a completed insurance form with you. Please contact your insurance company to find out whether there is a co-payment amount or restrictions. For your convenience, co-payments can be made at time of admission.
Before Surgery
In the Holding area, a nurse will conduct a brief assessment. You will also meet the anesthesiologist, a physician who specializes in administering medication during surgery and monitoring your health through out the procedure. In addition, you will also meet the nurse who will care for you during surgery. One family member may be with you at this time.
Family members or friends are welcome to wait in the surgery waiting area across the hall from the check in area.
After Your Surgery
Immediately after your surgery, you will be observed in our post-operative recovery area before being discharged. Our staff will accompany you and your designated driver to your vehicle.
A recovery room nurse will call you the next day to see how you are doing.
Returning home
For your safety, we will be unable to perform your surgery unless you have someone with you who can drive you home following the discharge. You should also have a responsible adult stay with you at home for at least 24 hours after your surgery.
If you have any questions, please call 425 899 5566 and speak with the pre surgery nurse. For more information on how to contact us visit out contact us section.
Please visit our new site at www.orthowashington.com.