Memorial Orthopaedic Neurosurgery

Patient Guide

This guide was designed to provide you with essential information you need to know as a patient.  Please take some time to review the following information and feel free to call the Ortho/Neuro Admitting Area at 647-7398 with any questions you might have.

PATIENT FIRST
When you step off the elevator and into our newly remodeled 8th floor unit, you'll see the results of Memorial Hospital's efforts to redesign hospital services with the patient's best interest in mind. It's a concept called Patient-Focused Care, which brings our services to the patient, instead of the other way around.

As many services as possible have been brought together into one Patient Care Unit, from admitting and pre-operative testing to pre- and post-operative education.

PRE-OPERATIVE TESTING & EDUCATION
Your pre-operative testing date typically is determined in advance by your surgeon, usually a week or so before your surgery Once the date has been set, you will need to call 647-7398 for an appointment.

While you're here for preoperative testing, we will also give you as much information as we can about your upcoming surgical experience so you'll be as prepared and relaxed as possible. We will also educate you about the recovery process, physical therapy and will coordinate a Home Evaluation to address your unique needs once you are discharged.

In addition to all of the medical information provided, a Financial Coordinator is available on-site to answer any questions you may have about cost and payment options. A Social Services representative is also available to assist you with any needs you may have.

JOINT EDUCATION PROGRAM
We offer a 90-minute joint Education Program, as well as classes for patients scheduled for extensive back and neck surgeries, that will help you better understand your surgery and how to achieve the best quality of life following your surgical experience. For more information about dates and times, or to register for this free program, call the Orthopedic Educator at 647-3302.

PRE-OPERATIVE INSTRUCTIONS
Please read these instructions carefully. They contain important information regarding your scheduled procedure at Memorial Hospital.

If you have a medical problem or question, please contact your surgeon or primary care physician. Because we have reserved surgical time for your procedure, please call your surgeon's office immediately if you find it necessary to cancel or reschedule for any reason.

Prior to your surgery, you will be seen by several professionals, including your surgeon, anesthesiologist and nurses. Each of these professionals has a specific responsibility in providing your care before, during and following your surgery. They may request some of the same information, but this is necessary to ensure that we have all the information we need to provide you the best of care.

Although there are many things unique to your particular procedure, there is a lot of information that all patients need to know:

1. Ask your surgeon for specific instructions about taking medications prior to your surgery. If you are diabetic, ask your surgeon for specific directions regarding your insulin or oral medication. Unless otherwise instructed, do not eat or drink anything after midnight prior to your surgery You should brush your teeth in the morning but avoid swallowing any water.
2. You should shower or bathe the night before your procedure. If surgery involves an arm or leg, please remove any nail polish.
3. On the day of surgery, you should wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing that can be stored easily. Loose clothing will also make it easier for you to dress after the procedure if you have a cast or a dressing. Please wear shoes with non-skid soles to ensure your safety when walking about before and after your procedure. We suggest that you bring personal hygiene items with you, such as: dental, hair and skin care items, a robe and slippers with nonskid soles. One to two days after your procedure, you may wear your own bed clothes if you choose.
4. Please do not bring valuables or jewelry with you to the hospital.
5. If you wear dentures (either full or partial), your anesthesiologist will decide if you should take them out or not.
6. Leave medications at home. Instead bring with you a list of medications and their dosages.

During your surgical experience, you will receive care in one or more of the following areas:

HOLDING ROOM - The Holding Room is a large, open room directly adjacent to Major Surgery. Patients arrive in Holding about an hour before their scheduled procedure time. It is here that a last minute review of all medical information and consent forms takes place. Patients have the opportunity to talk with their anesthesiologist and have questions answered. Patients are allowed to have a family member sit with them in the Holding Room.

PACU - The Post-Anesthesia Care Unit is a large, open room where patients are taken immediately following their surgical procedure. Patients monitored with cardiac and respiratory monitors, may also receive supplemental oxygen and will be provided medication to control post-operative discomfort. Family members are not allowed in the PACU.

The following are some exercises you will be asked to perform following surgery:

Deep Breathing

• inhale as deeply as possible
• exhale all air
• repeat 5 times every hour while awake

Coughing

• inhale deeply and cough deeply from your abdomen
• repeat 5 times every hour while awake

Foot Exercises

• extend your foot toward the bottom of the bed, then flex your toes toward your head
• make circles with your ankles, first to the left, then to the right
• repeat several times every hour while awake

PARKING
Please feel free to take advantage of our Valet Parking services, available from 5:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. daily and free of charge on the day of your admission. To use the service, you need only to drive to the Main Entrance of the Hospital and give your keys to one of our valets, who will then park your vehicle for you.

Should you wish to park your own vehicle, or if you arrive before or after our Valet hours, the Memorial Hospital parking ramp is located along Bartlett Street just west of Michigan Street. Elevators serve both the parking ramp and the Memorial Medical Plaza. Late-night security is available for escort to your vehicle. To have your parking ramp or valet ticket validated, bring it with you to the Ortho/Neuro Unit on the day of your procedure.

CAFETERIA & ATRIUM DELI
These services are available for everyone's use. The hours of operation and menu prices vary, but are posted in each location.

MEMORIAL FAMILY PHARMACY
Located directly across the street from the hospital at Bartlett and Michigan streets, the Memorial Family Pharmacy is available for everyone's pharmaceutical needs. The Pharmacy offers senior citizen discounts, drive-up window service and free delivery in South Bend and Mishawaka. For more information, call 647-7176.

SMOKING
For the sake of everyone's health, Memorial Hospital is a no-smoking institution. However, there are areas outside the building designated for smoking.

You should refrain from smoking the morning of your procedure.

DISCHARGE
The attending surgeon determines when you have recovered sufficiently from your procedure to leave the hospital. Inpatient discharge time at Memorial is 11 a.m.

VISITING HOURS
11:00 a.m. to 8:30 p.m.

We suggest you have no more than two visitors at a time to ensure your rest and recuperation.

You may wish to inform your visitors that afternoon visits may be interrupted by physical therapy sessions.

INSURANCE INFORMATION
Please bring all current insurance cards with you to the hospital.

ADVANCED DIRECTIVES
If you have advanced directives/living will, please bring a copy with you.

PRIOR AUTHORIZATION
It is primarily your responsibility to contact your insurance company prior to admission to find out if prior authorization is required. Most insurance company plans require pre-admission certification. Failure to comply with your insurance company's procedures may result in reductions of benefits or denial of coverage.

If you have any questions about your insurance coverage, please contact your insurance company agent or Human Resources Representative where you work prior to admission.

In the event your bill is not covered by insurance benefits, please contact our Financial Coordinator at 647-3204.

GETTING THERE
Finding the Ortho/Neuro Unit is as easy as driving to Memorial's Main Entrance, following signs to the hospital's A elevators and then up to the 8th floor. You'll see the admitting area as you step off the elevator.

If you use a wheelchair or need other assistance, the receptionist at the Main Entrance Information Desk will be happy to help you.