We want to make sure you are prepared for your surgery or procedure at Parkview Regional Medical Center. Please review the information below. If you have any questions before your surgery or procedure, please contact your physician’s office.
Before your surgery
As soon as your surgeon schedules your procedure, you will receive a call from our Registration Department. They will ask you to give your:
- Name
- Date of birth
- Social Security Number
- Address
- Phone number
- Marital status
- Primary care physician’s name
- Employer
- Emergency contacts
- Insurance
They will also ask if your procedure is due to an accident and if you would like to be a part of our patient survey.
The day of your surgery
Where do I go?
- Drive to Parkview Regional Medical Center, then follow Parkview Plaza drive to the entrance provided to you by your physician for check-in.
- You may either park in the lot
or take advantage of free valet parking from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m. at Entrance 1.Valet parking is temporarily suspended. Staff will be available in the parking lot to help visitors needing assistance getting to the front entrance. - Front desk staff members on the first floor will direct you to the elevators so you can go to the Surgery Reception Desk on the second floor.
What happens at the surgery reception desk?
- A staff member will verify your name and date of birth.
- You will be asked if you want a copy of the “Privacy Act”
- You will sign an “Authorization to Treat” which will allow our team to provide you care.
- If you are a Medicare patient, you will sign paperwork that explains your Medicare rights.
- If we do not have your driver’s license and/or insurance card in our computer system, the receptionist will ask for them at this time.
When and how will I be prepped for surgery?
- A prep nurse will come to the waiting area and verify your name and date of birth.
- The prep nurse will then:
- Take you to the prep area
- Take your height and weight
- Review your medical and personal history with you
- Talk about pain management
- Start an IV
- The prep nurse will then ask your family to join you in the prep area, if they are not already with you.
- Your physician will explain the procedure to you and will mark your incision site, if needed.
- Your anesthesiologist will explain what type of anesthesia will be used.
Where can my family members wait during my procedure?
- They may relax in the Surgery Lounge on the second floor. From there, they can easily get to the chapel, prayer rooms , our full-service café and the gift shop.
- Free snacks and drinks are available while they wait in the Surgery Lounge.
- A status board will give updates about procedures. Emergencies may cause surgeries to be delayed or rescheduled.
- Your family or friends will receive a buzzer to notify them when a doctor would like to speak with them.
- They will be asked to give a cell phone number so they may be reached at any time.
Will I be asleep before I'm taken to the operating room?
- No, you will be awake so you can respond to instructions.
- A team of people will be preparing the room when you arrive.
- The team members will introduce themselves and transfer you to the operating table.
- The anesthesiologist will give you anesthesia through your IV.
- After you are asleep, the team members will take a “time out” to:
- Check that you are the correct patient
- Check the correct side or site for the procedure
- Agree on the procedure to be done
After your surgery
- You will wake up in the recovery area.
- Specially trained recovery room nurses will monitor you.
- Depending on how your body reacts to the anesthetic, you may remain in the recovery area for an hour or longer.
When will I see my family and friends again?
Friends and family are not usually allowed back into the recovery room for your loved ones' and other patients' safety and privacy.
If you are having an outpatient procedure, your family will join you in the prep recovery area. If you are having an inpatient procedure, your family will join you in your patient room.
If you are having an inpatient procedure, your family will join you in your patient room.
What happens before I go home?
- A case manager along with your physician will plan your discharge care. If you think that you might need a facility or extra help at home please talk with your surgeon and case manager at any time.
- You will be given instructions on how to take care of yourself at home and take your medicine.
- You will be given phone numbers to call if you have any questions.
Will I be able to drive after my procedure?
No. For your safety, you must have a driver pick you up after your procedure, surgery or hospital stay.
Our staff will call you 1-3 days after you return home. During this phone call you will be asked how you are doing with your recovery and make sure that you have everything you need to have an excellent recovery. You will be asked if you have a follow-up with your physician, if you have any questions regarding your discharge instructions, if you understand how to take your medications, and you will have a chance to recognize any opportunities for improvement in your care and/or thank a member of our team that provided you with excellent service during your stay with us.
If you have any questions, please call your physician’s office or Parkview’s Ask–A-Nurse line at 877-774-8632.