How to Prepare for Surgery

We, the Physician Owners of The Surgical Center of Morehead City, want to say thank you for choosing our center for your surgical procedure and your trust in us. We recognize that you have the right to choose the provider of your healthcare services and we are pleased that you have chosen The Surgical Center of Morehead City.

Pre-Surgery Online Questionnaire – Required

1. Go online to register at www.onemedicalpassport.com as soon as possible after you are scheduled.

2. After your initial registration; you may use your email and password for future visits and/or updates.

We hope you will find this Online process to be user friendly.

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 The Surgical Center of Morehead City may ask you to visit your family doctor to obtain the necessary tests or clearance within 30 days of your procedure.

The day before your scheduled procedure a nurse from The Surgical Center of Morehead City will call you to confirm your surgery time. They will ask you questions regarding your past and current medical conditions, allergies and medications you are taking. Please don’t hesitate to ask any questions you may have, and be sure to let them know of any special needs.

The nurse will instruct you as to what time you are to stop eating and drinking prior to surgery. If you take medication for any conditions, ask your doctor and/or the The Surgical Center of Morehead City nurse whether or not to take it the day of your surgery.

For women, if there is a possibility that you are pregnant, please notify your doctor and/or the The Surgical Center of Morehead City 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 receive a call for The Surgical Center of Morehead City 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 The Surgical Center of Morehead City 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 living will or patient advocate forms
• 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.

When you are fully awake, members of your family will be able to join you.

Each individual is different however you may expect to be in the recovery area 30 minutes- 2 hours.

At Home After 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, do not drink any alcoholic beverages, drive, or make any critical decisions.

A nurse from The Surgical Center of Morehead City will call you within a day or two 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.