Surgery Instructions

Before Surgery

To prepare patients and their families for the surgical experience, we offer a Pre-Admission Surgical Service (PASS). A PASS nurse will conduct a telephone interview with you prior to your procedure day. This telephone interview will be set at a pre-scheduled time. The nurse will gather your medical history and any pertinent information that could impact your procedure or recovery.

Pre-Admission Instructions

Please be prepared for the phone call at the arranged time.

1. The pre-admission process consists of several steps:
   1. Pre-certification: The physician’s office will instruct you on obtaining insurance pre-certification. It will be your responsibility to call the insurance company if pre-certification is needed.
   2. Pre-testing: Your physician might order blood tests, x-rays, or EKGs to be done before your procedure date. Typically, these can be done within 10 days of your procedure date unless your physician specifically states otherwise. You will report to MDH Admitting for these services. We prefer these services be done at your convenience, Monday-Friday from 6:30 a.m. – 5 p.m. and/or Saturday, 6:30 a.m. – 12 p.m. Most blood tests can be performed at the MDH Drive-Thru seven days a week.
   3. Pre-education: If rehabilitation education is ordered by your physician, that appointment will be made by the physician’s office for you. They will try to coordinate your education with your plans to come for other testing.