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Depending on your health history, your type of surgery, or your surgeon’s recommendation, you may be scheduled to come to Wentworth-Douglass Hospital for a Pre-Admission Testing Visit to meet with our Nurse Practitioner or an Anesthesiologist.
In most circumstances, our Nursing staff will be able to discuss your health history and give you instructions to prepare for surgery with a phone interview. If you receive instructions over the phone and your surgeon has ordered blood work, an x-ray, or an EKG
it is important that you complete this on your own before the day of your surgery.
If you have any questions call the Pre-Admission Services department at (603) 740-2281 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
Insurance Registration
In addition to speaking with our Nursing staff you may need to speak with our Patient Registration department to review your insurance information. If you completed the One Medical Passport (see above) online you will have provided us with your insurance information. You may also call us at (603) 740-2493 between the hours of 7:45 a.m. and 5:45 p.m., Monday through Friday. Please have your Insurance Card available when you call.
Preparing for Your Surgery
Before Surgery
- Pre-register (insurance verification) for your surgery visit
- Complete the "One Medical Passport" Anesthesia Questionnaire online
- Complete any necessary blood work, X-ray, or EKG before the day of your surgery
- Arrange for someone to drive you home if having outpatient surgery
- Make sure that a responsible adult stays with you for the rest of the day and through the night following surgery
Night Before Surgery
- Do not eat any food after 12 midnight. Do not chew gum.
- You may drink water, apple juice, or ginger ale up to three (3) hours before your arrival time at the hospital
- If you still smoke we recommend that you not smoke the day before surgery.
Day of Surgery
- MEDICATIONS: Take all your usual medications the morning of surgery, except insulin or blood sugar lowering medications, unless directed otherwise.
- Shower or bathe to minimize the chance of infection.
- Do not wear make-up, nail polish, or lipstick.
- Wear comfortable clothing appropriate for your surgery (shorts or sweats for lower extremity procedures, button down shirt for upper extremity procedures, loose clothing for abdomen). You will want to avoid any unnecessary pressure on sensitive surgery sites.
- Wear flat shoes. Slip-on styles are best.
- Bring proof of identification and insurance card with you.
- Leave jewelry and other valuables at home.
- If you wear contact lenses you will be asked to remove them before surgery. Please bring your glasses and lens case with solution.
- If your young child will be having surgery please bring a comforting toy or blanket.
- For patients under 18 a parent or legal guardian must accompany the patient to sign consent forms and stay at the hospital while the child is here.
Special Precautions
- Contact your doctor immediately if you experience any change in your health before surgery. If you have a minor elevation in your temperature, a cold, or cough please report them.
- If you are a woman of childbearing age and suspect you may be pregnant please notify your surgeon. Anesthesia and medications may be harmful to a developing fetus.
- Your surgery may be cancelled or rescheduled if any of the following conditions occur:
- If you have not arranged for a responsible adult over the age of 18 to drive you home after surgery - this cannot be a taxi driver unless you have a person other than the taxi driver to accompany you to your home.
- If you do not follow the eating and drinking instructions given to you.
Arriving at the Hospital
- Enter the hospital campus at the traffic light at Central Avenue and Old Rollinsford Road. The South parking lot and South Entrance will be on your left.
- Park in the South parking lot and enter the South Entrance. The doors open at 5:30 a.m.
- Take Elevator 8 or 9 to the second (2nd) floor. These elevators are located immediately behind the South Entrance reception area.
- Check in at the Same Day Surgery reception desk on the second floor with proof of identification and insurance card.
- You will be brought from the waiting room to the Same Day Surgery unit where you will be prepared for surgery.
- You are welcome to have a friend or family member with you. One person (or both parents of children) may be with you in your Same Day Surgery room. Others accompanying you will need to wait in the waiting room in order to protect the privacy of all patients.
After Surgery
- If you stay over night after surgery you will be brought to your hospital room following your initial recovery period. For the remainder of your hospitalization the nurses in this area will continue to monitor your vital signs and check on your comfort.
- If you have had outpatient surgery:
- You will return to the Same Day Surgery unit. When you are awake your friend or relative may join you.
- When you are alert you will be given specific instructions for care at home. Your nurse will review discharge instructions including any specific instructions from your doctor.
- Rest and take it easy. Have someone with you for the rest of the day and overnight to assist with care.
- Do not drive or operate machinery for the rest of the day.
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages. Do not take any medications other than those prescribed by your doctor.
- Do not make critical decisions nor do anything that requires you to be alert and coordinated for the rest of the day. Sign no legal documents. Do not take care of a dependent person.
If you have any questions call the Pre-Admission Services department at (603) 740-2281 between 8 a.m. and 5 p.m.
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