It’s a Date…

At OSL, you and your physician will discuss all your options and if you decide together that surgery is the best course of action, you will work with your physician and his team to schedule a surgery date. We will do our best to accommodate your schedule and offer you the best plan for the optimal outcome.

First…

Register for surgery at Specialists Hospital Shreveport

https://www.onemedicalpassport.com/?fid=941

Why do I have to fill out more of the same paperwork when I register for surgery at Specialists Hospital Shreveport?

Orthopedic Specialists of Louisiana and Specialists Hospital Shreveport have different Electronic medical records (EMR) systems and that means you will have some duplicate paperwork. Having your medical history is essential to providing the best care and we appreciate the time you will take to provide us accurate information. All patients must undergo Pre-Admit Testing and Lab Work prior to their surgery.

How, when and Where ? The Pre-admit Process

Step 1- Lab Orders

Patients will receive their lab order from your surgeon when you are scheduled for surgery or your orders will be mailed to you from the clinic prior to your surgery. Your surgeon’s assistant may also fax your orders directly to the Specialists Pre-Admit Department for you. Please take the order with you when you go to Specialists Pre-Admit /Lab for your Pre-Admit testing and labs.

Step 2- When?

Your pre-admit testing must be completed within (30) days and no less than (7) days of your scheduled surgery date.

Please keep in mind- the Specialists Pre-Admit / Lab does not schedule appointments; patients are seen on a first come, first serve basis.

Step 3- Where?

Specialists Pre-admit/ Lab is located on the second floor of Specialists Health System located at 1500 Line Avenue in Shreveport, Louisiana.

What should I bring to my Specialists Pre-Admit Appointment?

• Your lab orders and completed paperwork (if not registered at Specialists Hospital Shreveport https://www.onemedicalpassport.com/?fid=941).
• Photo ID & Insurance card
• Current medications & supplements
  

You do not have to fast prior to your Pre-Admit testing and labs. You may want to bring a snack or water while you wait. Specialists also has a snack shop on campus. Our building does run a bit on the chili side, so you may want to bring a sweater or sweatshirt to have while you wait.

The Pre-Admit Exam & Labs

You will complete a urinalysis , blood work and an EKG.

A Specialists nurse will review all medications you are currently taking and advise you about any medications that should be discontinued prior to your surgery.

If there are any discrepancies with your pre-admit testing , your surgeon will contact you prior to your surgery. We will not contact you regarding your testing unless there is a discrepancy that interferes with having surgery.

When will I be notified of my surgery arrival time at Specialists Hospital Shreveport?

A Specialists nurse will call you the day before your surgery between 10 am and 4 pm to confirm your surgery arrival time. If your surgery falls on a Monday, a Specialists nurse will call you the Friday before your surgery.

Two- Four Weeks Prior to surgery:

• Nothing to eat or drink after midnight on the day of your surgery. This is very important to insure. Your stomach should be empty during surgery. An empty stomach reduces the chances of an aspiration and its complications. An aspiration is when stomach contents are expelled up the esophagus (food pipe) into the lungs (windpipe). An aspiration can cause significant damage. If you have ever laughed or talked while eating or drinking and inadvertently gagged, you have experienced aspiration. The good news is you can protect yourself from an aspiration by strictly following the no food/no drink rule. The only exception is that you may take necessary medications the morning of surgery with a sip of water. Your surgeon, medical doctor, or anesthesiologist can help you determine which of your medications, if any, are necessary the morning of surgery. For additional questions you may want to ask your surgeon before surgery,
• Shower using an antibacterial soap (dial or hibiclens)and sleep on clean sheets the night before your surgery. This step will help reduce your chances of postoperative infection.
• Contact your physician’s clinic if you have a fever (101.1 or above)and are not feeling well. Your surgeon may ask that you see your primary care physician to make sure you do not have an infection. Having an active infection may mean rescheduling your surgery.
• Contact your surgeon if you have an open wound that is not healing or is near your pending surgery site. Your surgeon may have you come by the clinic or see your primary care physician to determine if the wound is infected. Having an active infection may mean rescheduling your surgery.
• A note about shaving. Please be careful when shaving your legs or body parts. A cut near the surgery site could potentially be cause to reschedule your surgery.
• If you have been instructed to get clearance from another physician (ie: cardiologist, oncologist, etc., please make sure you do so asap before your surgery and ask that the records be faxed, emailed or mailed to your surgeon).
• Dental Work: Ideally, any dental work should be done as soon as possible and at least four weeks before hip or knee replacement surgery. Dental complications occurring too close to a planned elective surgery may result in the surgery being delayed. Additionally, we recommend that you delay any additional elective dental work for at least six months after your surgery. If there’s an urgent need for dental work, ask your doctor or dentist if preventive antibiotics are needed. Some doctors and dentists will recommend that following your knee or hip replacement, that you receive antibiotics prior to dental work always… check with your physician and dentist.
• Hydrate before surgery! Up until that midnight hour before your surgery, it is great to increase water or non-caffeinated beverage intake. Being properly hydrated will help with obtaining an IV the day of surgery and will also help with constipation that can often result from some of the pain medications given after surgery.