Patient Guide
Upon Arrival
- Upon your arrival, please check in with our front desk personnel.
- Please identify your caregivers to our staff so we are able to notify them about your progress.
- Depending on the schedule, you may not be seen in the order of arrival. If you have been waiting longer than 30 minutes, please check with the front desk.
Before Your Surgery
Once your surgeon has scheduled your procedure at COASC, you will receive a call from a nurse within two weeks prior to your surgery date. It is very important to answer all questions honestly. You must inform us of all medications you are taking, any previous surgeries, and any allergies you may have. By providing us with the most accurate details about your health we will be able to customize your care during your time with us.
Additional important information:
- Depending on your age and medical history, you may need a few minor tests prior to your surgery.
- Your surgery staff will inform you if this is necessary.
- Results from these tests will automatically be forwarded to your surgeon and our center.
- Please notify us if there are any changes in your physical condition as the doctor may choose to postpone the surgery.
- If you are having anesthesia or sedation, you must have someone accompany you to the surgery center, drive you home after surgery, and stay with you overnight.
The Day Before Your Surgery
The surgery center will call you on the business day prior to your procedure to confirm your date and time. Preparing for surgery is very important to assure your safety and the best possible experience. We have prepared some very important rules for you to follow. Please remember to review these rules prior to your appointment and call us at 757-736-4100 with any questions.
- Do not eat or drink anything or smoke anything after midnight the night before surgery.
- This includes chewing gum, lozenges, hard candy and chewing tobacco.
- Medications: If you have been instructed by your doctor or anesthesiologist to take medications such as high blood pressure, acid reflux, seizure, thyroid, respiratory, the morning of surgery, please take them with only a sip of water.
- DO NOT TAKE aspirin, aspirin powders, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, Alka Seltzers, herbal supplements, Plavix, Lovenox, or any other medication that may decrease the clotting ability of your blood at least 5 days before or as instructed by your physician. You may take Acetaminophen (Tylenol).
- Do not bring valuables with you the day of surgery.
- You will be asked to arrive 1 ½ hours prior to the time of your surgery.
The Day Of Your Surgery
Every patient must be accompanied by a responsible adult who will need to stay at the surgery center during the surgery and will drive you home after surgery.
- Please bring your insurance identification cards, driver’s license, completed forms and any co-payments with you for the admitting process.
- Wear comfortable loose fitting clothing and simple shoes to make getting dressed after your surgery easy.
- Please bring appropriate cases for eyeglasses, contact lenses, and/or dentures. You will be asked to remove these prior to surgery.
- Leave all valuables and jewelry at home.
- Do not wear makeup, nail polish, or body lotion.
- Do not shave your surgical site. We will use special clippers upon admission.
- If you anticipate that you will need your medications (including insulin, inhalers, Nebulizers), please bring them with you.
- Bring any equipment (splints & slings) given to you for after surgery use.
Coffee and tea are available down the hall at the Coffee Bar Express Oasis and there are vending machines located in the Cafeteria. Wireless Internet is available throughout the COASC.
After Surgery
After your surgery is completed, you will be moved to the recovery room where our nurses will monitor your recovery process. The length of time you will spend in recovery before leaving will depend on the type of surgery you have and the choice of anesthesia. The length of stay is usually less than 1 hour.
At the time of surgery you will be given a surgery packet that contains instructions and who to call with questions or concerns. You will also be given follow up and therapy appointment dates.
Before you leave, please be certain you understand your physician’s instructions. The nurse will also instruct you about medications, diet, and rest requirements.
Home Care
- If you become aware of any signs of infection at the operative site, contact your physician immediately.
- Keep the operative site elevated and iced for the next 48-72 hours.
- Dizziness is not unusual. Do not drive or operate machinery.
- If taking antibiotics, report any rash, nausea, vomiting, abdominal cramps, diarrhea, or any other unusual symptoms to your doctor.
- Continue your regular medications, unless instructed otherwise.
If you had general anesthesia or local anesthesia with sedation, please pay particular attention to the following instructions:
- Do not drink alcoholic beverages, including beer, for 24 hours.
- Do not drive a motor vehicle, operate machinery or power tools for 24 hours or while taking Narcotic pain medicine.
- Do not make any important decisions or sign legal documents for 24 hours.
- Do Not Stay Alone. A responsible adult should be with you for this 24 hour period.
- Rest at home for 24 hours following general anesthesia.
A nurse from CarePlex Orthopaedic Ambulatory Surgery Center will call you by telephone a few days after your surgery to find out how you are progressing after your surgery.
You can reach the Surgery Center at 757-736-4100 from 8am-5pm Monday-Friday.
Facility Hours
Monday – Friday 7:00am – 5:00pm
Business Office Hours
Monday – Friday8:00am – 4:00pm
Doctors Timetable
View availability of our surgeons. Note: Some variations can occur based on specific patient conditions.
Contact Us
Need an Appointment? Call Tidewater Orthopaedics to schedule with one of our physicians.
757-827-7019
Contact the ONLY surgery center on the peninsula to offer outpatient knee, shoulder, and hip replacements.