Orthopedic surgery isn’t just what we do.
It’s all we do.​

How to Prepare for Surgery

To ensure a smooth and successful surgery, here are a few steps to help you prepare:

• Accompaniment: Arrange for a family member or friend to accompany you to the surgery center. They should also be available to stay with you for the first 24 hours after you return home to assist with your recovery.
• Adjust Your Schedule: Plan accordingly by adjusting your work and social calendar to accommodate your recovery time. Allow yourself adequate rest.
• Home Safety: Remove small throw rugs, cords, or other obstacles that may be in your path to avoid trips or falls during your recovery.
• Pet Care: If you have pets, it may be helpful to arrange for someone to assist with their care for a few days after you return home.

What Should I Wear?

• Wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing and shoes with a non-skid sole, as swelling may occur after surgery.
• If you wear eyeglasses or hearing aids, be sure to bring them with you on the day of your surgery.
• Please remove any jewelry or body piercings before your surgery.

What Do I Need to Bring on the Day of Surgery?

• Bring your insurance card and a form of identification.
• Leave valuables and jewelry at home.

Should I Fast Prior to Surgery?

• Do not eat or drink anything containing cream or milk for eight hours before your scheduled surgical time. This includes protein shakes, oat milk, almond milk, and coconut milk products.
• You may drink clear liquids (such as black coffee/tea with sugar, apple juice, or Gatorade) up to four hours before your surgery.

Who Do I Call If I Have Questions About Billing or Insurance?

We are here to help make this experience as comfortable as possible. For any billing or insurance questions, please refer to our “Billing” tab for further information.

What Medications Should I Stop Prior to Surgery?

Follow the instructions provided by your surgeon, primary care doctor, or specialist regarding medication cessation.

• 2 weeks prior to surgery:
  • Stop taking vitamin and herbal supplements.
  • Stop prescription diet medications.
• 1 week prior to surgery:
  • Stop anti-inflammatory medications (e.g., ibuprofen [Motrin, Advil], Meloxicam [Mobic], Naproxen [Aleve, Naprosyn], Indomethacin [Indocin], Diclofenac [Voltaren]).
• Blood Thinners: If you take a prescription blood thinner, confirm with your provider when to stop taking it before surgery.

What to Expect on the Day of Surgery?

• Check-In: Upon arrival, please provide:
  • A valid state or government-issued ID
  • Your insurance card(s)
  • A method of payment if you have any financial responsibility (We accept VISA, MasterCard, American Express, and Discover. Please note, we do not accept CareCredit. Credit/debit payments are preferred).
• Visitor Guidelines: Due to limited space in our waiting area, we ask that you bring no more than one guest. For your guest’s convenience, we recommend they wait at either Panera or Wegmans, both of which offer Wi-Fi and comfortable waiting areas. Both locations open at 6 AM.

• Live Status Updates: Once you are checked in, we will send a live status update to your transportation contact via text, allowing them to receive updates as you move through the facility. This gives them the flexibility to leave the facility with peace of mind and to not feel obligated to remain in the waiting area during your procedure. Once your procedure is complete, your surgeon will call your transportation contact with an update. If they are not nearby after the surgeon’s phone call, we kindly ask that they return to the waiting area after they recieve this phone call so a nurse can go over discharge instructions and answer any questions.
• Pre-Operative Preparation: Before your procedure, you will meet with the pre-op nurse to answer a few questions and sign the consent for your surgery. You will also meet with the anesthesiologist to discuss anesthesia options and pain management. Once agreed upon, you will sign the anesthesia consent form.
• Recovery: After surgery, you will be taken to our state-of-the-art recovery room, where you can rest and recover comfortably. We provide our patients with light snacks and refreshments.
• Physical Therapy: Depending on your procedure (typically for total joint patients), Dr. Jon Choi, our physical therapist, may assist you in walking with your durable medical equipment (DME), typically a walker, and ensure you are comfortable using your assistive device. Physical therapy occurs down the hallway in the same building, in suite 216.
• Discharge: When you’re ready for discharge, we will wheel you out to your vehicle in a wheelchair for your convenience and comfort.

What to Do After Your Visit?

When to Call the Surgery Center or Surgeon’s Office:

• If you have a consistent fever above 101.5°F for 8 hours or more
• If you experience drainage that is more than a droplet
• If your pain is not controlled by prescribed pain medications
• If you’re unable to bear weight on your surgical leg (if applicable)
• If you experience severe insomnia
• If your foot or extremity lacks sensation, appears discolored, or is cold to the touch
• If you experience confusion or disorientation

How do I control my pain?

• Take your pain medications exactly as instructed by your surgeon.
• If you are unsure about whether it is okay to take anti-inflammatory medications (such as Ibuprofen or Aleve) after surgery, please confirm with your surgeon first.