How to Prepare for Surgery
Preparing For Your Surgery
For your health and safety, some laboratory tests or medical clearance may be required prior to your procedure. Your surgeon or Maryland Surgery Center may ask you to visit your family doctor to obtain the necessary tests or clearance within 30 days of your procedure.
If you take medication for any conditions, ask your doctor and/or the Maryland Surgery Center nurse whether or not to take it the day of your surgery.
For women, if there is a possibility you are pregnant, please notify your doctor and/or the Maryland Surgery Center nurse.
Leave all valuables at home, including watches, rings, jewelry and wallets.
Please notify your surgeon of any change in your health, such as a cold, fever or sore throat.
For your safety, a responsible adult MUST be available to drive you home after your procedure. Your ride is required to wait at the facility for you until you are discharged.
Children age 17 years and younger or incapacitated adults must be accompanied by a person with legal guardianship.
You will be contacted from Maryland Surgery Center business office staff regarding your financial information and responsibilities.
Day of Surgery
Arrive promptly at the time instructed, usually 30-90 minutes prior to your surgery time. This will allow adequate time for all necessary admission procedures.
Please bring your insurance identification cards and photo ID. If special financial arrangements are necessary, please call the Maryland Surgery Center prior to the day of surgery.
Wear loose fitting comfortable clothing. Leave all valuables at home.
Items to bring with you include, but are not limited to: a list of your current medications, prior obtained prescription for pain medication, containers for eye wear, medical equipment you may use or have received prior to your surgery, any important records, such as a living will or patient advocate forms and any comfort devices, such as a pillow for the ride home.
Upon arrival, you will change into a hospital gown and slippers, which we provide. You will be asked to remove contact lenses, dentures, jewelry and any prosthesis.
Your care throughout your stay will be closely monitored by our staff for your safety and comfort.
Each individual is different; however, you may expect to be in the recovery area for 30 minutes-2 hours.
At Home Surgery
Your surgeon will provide specific instructions for care while recovering at home. In the event of difficulty, please call your surgeon.
For the first 24 hours following surgery, do not engage in strenuous activities, drink any alcoholic beverages, drive or make any critical decisions.
Maryland Surgery Center will contact you within a day or two via text or call to evaluate how you are recovering at home. You will be asked to complete a questionnaire about the care you received. Your comments will enable us to continue to improve our services.