- Preoperative Clearances
- Preparing for Surgery
- Surgical Time Information
- Medications Prior to Surgery
- Durable Medical Equipment
- RUMC Info
Preoperative Clearances
– Once you know your surgery date, please schedule an appointment with your primary care physician if allotted on the form, within 30 days of the surgical procedure.
– If you see a cardiologist for any reason, you will need to contact their office and request a note from them clearing you for surgery. This may require an additional visit to your cardiologist before surgery.
– All test results can be faxed to our office at 708-409-5179, this fax number is also written on your medical clearance form. Results should be faxed one week before surgery. If we do not have the results in time, we may need to reschedule your procedure.
– Please do not wait until the last minute. Sometimes, test results can come back abnormal which require further testing. If you wait until the week before, there might not be enough time to complete additional tests which will result in rescheduling your procedure.
For patients who do not have a Primary Care Physician, Rush provides a large internal medicine practice to assist with the pre-operative clearances.
https://www.rush.edu/locations/rush-university-internists
For lab work needed for your procedure, outpatient lab facilities are available within the Chicagoland area. Most hospitals or walk in clinics can provide services, but below are some references if needed.
Preparing for Surgery
What should I do to prepare for my surgery?
Arrange for a family member or friend to accompany you to the hospital the day of your surgery. Plan ahead for transportation home or to the hotel the day of your planned discharge. You must have someone present to take you home.
Remember to adjust your work/social schedule accordingly during your anticipated recovery time. If any paperwork needs to be filled out for leave from work, please bring it with you to the hospital or fax it to 708-409-5179. If you need paperwork completed after 90 days from your surgery date, a fee of $20.00 is required to complete the forms.
While taking narcotic pain medication, you will not be permitted to drive. You may need to arrange for transportation to your initial follow-up visit.
Unless told otherwise, you will need to have a follow-up visit 7-14 days after surgery with Dr. Nicholson. To schedule your post operative appointment please call 708-236-2701.
What should I bring with me the day of surgery?
Photo ID
Insurance Card
A list of all your current medications, past surgical procedures and medical issues for the anesthesiologist.
Friend or family member who will be available the entire time and take you home after surgery
Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing – (Shoulder surgery: zip-up or button down shirt) – (Knee surgery: loose fitting pants or shorts)
**Leave jewelry, money and valuables at home.
Surgical Time Information
Do NOT eat or drink anything after midnight prior to your surgical date. The hospital will call you after 3:00 pm the day before your surgery to notify you of your surgical time.
If you do not receive a call you can call the hospital directly.
Rush Hospital: 312-947-0787
Rush Oak Park Hospital: 708-660-4800
Gold Coast Surgicenter: 312-521-5500
If you are traveling from out of town, please call the hospital (numbers above) and let them know how they can reach you in regards to your surgical time. Let them know your cell phone number and where you will be staying the night before your surgery.
Medications Prior to Surgery
14 days before surgery, you need to stop:
– Any Narcotic (e.g., Vicodin, Norco, Darvocet, Percocet or Oxycontin)
– Aspirin-like products (“blood thinners”) e.g., Ibuprofen, Aleve, Motrin (Except Celebrex)
7 – 10 days before, you need to stop:
– Plavix / Coumadin / Warfarin: Please consult with your internist
– Any medications as per your internist
– Aspirin 81mg
You can continue to take:
– Tylenol
– Celebrex
– Glucosamine Chondroitin Sulfate
– Daily Vitamins
On the morning of surgery:
– Take only medications that are for your heart (hypertension, arrhythmias, etc.)
– If you use an inhaler, please bring it with you
– If you use a CPAP Machine, please bring it with you (Overnight)
– If you are taking diabetic medications, you should check with your internist to determine if you should take these medications on the morning of surgery
If you are taking any other medications that are not listed, please consult with your internist prior to surgery to determine if you should continue taking the medication or to see when you should stop and resume the medication.
Durable Medical Equipment
After your outpatient surgery, you may be prescribed durable medical equipment (DME) to help with post- operative recovery. The items prescribed are dependent on the type of surgery you are having. The practice will notify you of these items before surgery so you are aware of what you’ll need.Please review list of companies we use along with the equipment they provide for post-operative use.
Midwest Orthopaedics at Rush DME
P:312-432-2482
Items:
– Abduction wedge sling
– Gel-Ice Wrap (Not covered by insurance, cost $79 out of pocket)
– Polar Care (Not covered by insurance, cost $199 out of pocket)
– Crutches
If prescribed any of these items, you will receive them on the day of surgery at the hospital.
