Preparing for Surgery

Registering & getting ready for your procedure

After your surgery has been scheduled, you will be given an appointment for your pre-assessment evaluation at the Patient Intake department at Adventist Health White Memorial. If you have any questions please, call our Patient Intake department at (323) 268-5000, ext. 2464, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m.-5 p.m.

Pre-operative assessment appointment

A completed pre-operative appointment is required before your day of surgery.

During your pre-operative visit, we will work with you on the following:

• Insurance verification
• Physical assessment
• Pre-operative diagnostic tests, including blood work, urine test, chest X-ray and electrocardiogram (EKG)
• Allergies, if any, to medication, food or metal

What to bring:

• Valid picture ID with your full name and current address
• Home and cell phone number
• Social security information
• Insurance card
• Medications you are currently taking (including dose and frequency)
• Copy of your advance directive (if you have one)
• Name, address and phone number of your care partner/person who will be with you after surgery
• This booklet

Advance directives & healthcare instructions

Advance directives are a means of communicating your wishes regarding healthcare to all caregivers. Living wills are written instructions that explain your wishes for healthcare if you have a terminal condition or irreversible coma and are unable to communicate.

Appointment of a healthcare agent (medical power of attorney) is a document that lets you name a person (your agent) to make medical decisions for you.

Healthcare instructions are your specific choices regarding the use of life-sustaining equipment, hydration, nutrition and pain medications.

Joint replacement pre-op education class

We strongly recommend you and your care partner or family member attend this class so you can be informed and educated regarding your upcoming surgery. Each session is taught by a joint replacement coordinator and a physical therapist.

You will learn everything you need to know about your hospitalization, including:

• The preadmission process
• What happens before and after surgery
• What happens during your hospital stay
• How to manage pain
• Equipment that you will need
• How to prepare for discharge
• Exercise, activities and self-care
• How to be more involved in recovery

To register for classes, please call (323) 268-5000, ext. 2464.

When you register, be prepared to leave a message with the following information:

• Your name
• Your phone number
• Type of surgery (hip or knee)
• Date of surgery
• Your surgeon’s name
• The date you can attend

Classes are offered free of charge.

Parking

You can park in the main parking structure (L1) off East Cesar E. Chavez Avenue. Please note there is a fee to park in the structure. Street parking is free except for street cleaning days.

Special instructions on the day of surgery

• Do not eat or drink anything (including water) after midnight before your surgery. An exception is sometimes made for later surgeries — you will be instructed if this is the case.
• You may be instructed to take some medications the morning of your surgery — take pills with a small sip of water.
• If you are diabetic, do not take any medication for your diabetes unless instructed by your doctor. Your blood sugar will be checked when you arrive at the hospital.
• Plan to arrive at the hospital two hours before your scheduled surgery. Follow your physician’s special instructions, if given.