Having Surgery at Shelby Baptist Medical Center?

Knowing you’re having a surgical procedure can make anyone a little bit anxious and frightened. But if you know what to expect, you may not be as apprehensive. This material contains helpful information about what to expect before, during, and after your scheduled procedure. Please take time to read this material and familiarize yourself with the details. It is important that you follow these guidelines specifically, unless otherwise instructed by your doctor.

At Shelby Baptist Medical Center, our staff is dedicated to providing you with quality care in a supportive, caring atmosphere. Your health and comfort are our main concern. If there is anything we can do to better serve you, please let us know immediately. Thank you for choosing Shelby Baptist Medical Center for your health care needs.

Pre-Admission Testing

Pre-Admission Testing is the process for obtaining pre-surgical blood work, diagnostic testing and a nursing and pre-anesthesia evaluation prior to your procedure. You and your physician may choose to have your pre-surgical testing done on the day of your procedure. However, Pre-Admission Testing is recommended in an effort to prevent procedure delays or cancellations due to abnormal lab or diagnostic results. We have several options to complete your Pre-Admission Testing. For your convenience, our staff may call you to complete the pre-op interview.

If your Pre-Admission Testing appointment was not arranged by your surgeon’s office, please call (205) 620-7070 to schedule your appointment. Please Note: Pre-Admission Testing accepts walk-in patients, but they will be seen on a first come, first served basis. Appointments are strongly recommended.

On the day before your procedure, a representative from our Pre-Admission Testing team will contact you by 5pm to confirm the time you should arrive on the day of your procedure. If you haven’t been contacted by 5pm on the business day prior to your procedure, call your physician’s office. Because procedure times are approximate and subject to change, we ask that you provide us with a phone number where you can be reached the morning of your procedure.

Pre-Registration

At Shelby Baptist Medical Center, we value your time and request your assistance in beginning the admissions process prior to your procedure. You may pre-register via hard copy or Internet. By completing the steps outlined below, you will help our efforts in providing a smooth and timely admission process. Your cooperation is appreciated. If you have any questions about the registration process, please call (205) 599-4211. Please Note: If you have already had Pre-Admission Testing done, you will not need to complete this Pre-Registration process.

To Pre-Register via Hard Copy

Complete the enclosed Pre-Admission Form in its entirety.
Make a copy of your driver’s license and insurance cards.
Return the completed form and copy of driver’s license and insurance cards in one of three ways:

In person—deliver to our Admitting Department, located in the Main Lobby of the hospital
By fax—to (205) 599-4058
By mail (only if post marked more than 10 days prior to surgery)

To Pre-Register Online

Online registration must be completed at least 3 business days in advance of your scheduled procedure to ensure adequate processing time.
Go to brookwoodbaptisthealth.com and click on the FOR PATIENTS tab. Then, click on I AM A CURRENT OR SCHEDULED PATIENT to enter the PRE-REGISTER FOR YOUR VISIT portion of the site.
You will be able to complete pre-registration forms for Shelby Baptist Medical Center including Patient Information, Employment Information, Admission Information, Spouse or Guarantor Information, Emergency Notification and Insurance Information.
Click “Submit” once all information has been provided. You will receive and email confirming your online Pre-Registration if you have provided a valid email address during the submission process.
You will be asked to sign your admission forms the day of your procedure. For your convenience, patients can also visit the Main Admitting office prior to surgery and sign paperwork. The financial clearance process can also be completed at this time.

Financial Matters

Please take care of any referrals or pre-certifications required by your insurance company prior to the day of your procedure.
We will bill your insurance carrier on your behalf when you provide us with adequate information. Insurance companies may cover the costs involved with your procedure. However, even though insurance has been filed, you are responsible for payment of the hospital bill.
Patients without insurance coverage for the service rendered will be required to pay a deposit prior to admission, with the balance being due within 30 days after receipt of the bill. Financial counseling is available upon request.
You may receive separate bills from medical professionals or health care equipment providers if their services are provided.

Procedure Reminders

The Night Before Your Procedure

For your safety, do not eat or drink anything after midnight, prior to your surgery. It is very important that your stomach be completely empty. Your surgery may be canceled if you eat or drink anything— this includes water, gum,
Refrain from smoking after midnight before your procedure, and do not smoke the day of your procedure. Refrain from chewing tobacco.
If you are taking daily medications, you will be instructed on which medications to take, if any. Consult your doctor in advance if you have any questions about whether you should discontinue any regularly scheduled medications or aspirin prior to the procedure.
Notify your physician if your medical condition has changed since he/she has seen you or if you develop a fever, rash, vomiting, diarrhea, pain or productive cough.
Take a shower washing the entire body the night prior to your surgery. It is especially important to wash the area where the surgery will take place. If you are having surgery in the abdominal area, clean your belly button/navel well with the soap you are given. Let your nurse or physician know if you have any sensitivity to chlorohexidine products.
Do not shave, wax or use depilatory (hair removal) products to remove unwanted hair on the area where your surgery will be performed for 1 week prior to surgery. Any necessary hair removal will be done at the hospital.

The Day of Your Procedure

REMEMBER—Do not eat or drink anything after midnight, prior to your surgery. It is very important that your stomach be completely empty. Your surgery may be canceled if you eat or drink anything —this includes water, gum, candy, mints or use of tobacco products.
You are permitted to brush your teeth, but don’t swallow any water.
For your safety, avoid the use of all grooming products containing alcohol such as hairspray, lotions, oils, perfume, cologne, body mist, etc.
Dress in loose-fitting clothing and low-heeled shoes.
Do not wear makeup, wigs, false eyelashes, hairpins, hair extensions, buns or pony tails, and remove all body piercings.
If you wear contact lenses, leave them at home or bring your lens case and storage solution with you so that you can remove your lenses before the procedure.
Arrive promptly at your scheduled time. If you are late, your surgery may have to be canceled or delayed.
Do not smoke the day of your procedure. Refrain from chewing tobacco.

Other Tips

A responsible adult MUST accompany you to the hospital and drive you home after your procedure. For your own safety, you will not be permitted to leave alone, even by bus or taxi.
Please leave all jewelry and other valuables at home.

Procedures Involving Children & Teens

Children and teens must be accompanied by a parent or guardian. This individual must remain in the building throughout the patient’s stay.

What To Bring With You

Bring items marked with an * with you to Pre-Admission Testing

All insurance cards, your driver’s license and method of payment for liabilities*
A list of all medications you a recurrently taking with the names and dosages,* including:

Prescriptions
Over-the-counter medicines,including aspirin
Herbal supplements
Vitamins and minerals
Diet pills

C-PAP Machine (including all parts), if it has been prescribed for sleep apnea
Living Will or a medical advanced directive, if you have one*

What To Expect Upon Arrival At The Hospital

The following is a brief overview of some of the processes you may encounter during your stay with us. Your caregivers will explain all procedures to you prior to performing them.

Admitting

When arriving for surgery, please sign in at the Main Admitting Reception Desk located on the second floor of the South Tower. You will be registered and then directed to the surgery waiting area. While you are in surgery, your family will be asked to stay in the waiting area where a volunteer will keep them posted on your progress. If you have pre-registered and received a yellow fast pass, you can proceed directly to the surgery waiting room on the date of your procedure.

Surgical Holding Rooms

Once you’ve been admitted, you will be escorted to the Pre-Operative Care Unit and assigned to a bay where you will stay until your procedure begins. In this area you can expect the following:

You will be asked to change into a hospital gown and provided with non-slip socks.
A nurse will ask about your health history and assess your blood pressure, temperature and weight.
You will be asked to sign a consent form.
Your surgeon may mark your planned surgical site if it involves an organ or body part that has a right or left side. This information will be used by the surgical team to ensure the procedure is performed on the correct side.
Your nurse will start an IV, which will help prevent dehydration and provide a route for medications.
You may receive an injection or a pill that will make you drowsy prior to being taken by stretcher to the procedure area. Before taking this medication, please empty your bladder, if needed. Because this medication will make you drowsy, you will be required to remain in bed with side rails raised. Should you need assistance, call a nurse to help you.
Any tests or preparations that your physician has ordered will also be conducted at this time if they have not been done prior to your admission to the hospital. Some of these procedures may include:

Lab work
EKG (electrocardiogram)
X-rays
Cleaning and clipping the area of your body where the procedure will be performed
Administering of an enema to cleanse your bowels
Pregnancy test (for female patients of child- bearing age)

You may receive several medications during your stay. Most medicines are given intravenously. You will be notified of any medications given to you and any potential side effects.
You may be asked to wear special hose to help prevent blood clots in your legs.
The number of visitors in this area may be limited due to space and privacy considerations.

Family Waiting

During your procedure, your family or friends may wait in the family waiting area located on the second floor of the Hospital Surgery Department. After your procedure, your physician will meet with your family or friends to report any results and your condition. To help our staff provide updates while you are in surgery, it’s important that your family and/or friends remember:

To wait in the immediate lobby area. If the nurse or doctor has indicated that they will have time to go to the cafeteria, they should check in with the hostess prior to leaving and on return to the lobby.
To be aware that the designated family member or friend may be paged more than once during the surgery. The operating room staff may call to provide updates during longer procedures.
When surgery is over, the designated family member or friend will be paged and possibly escorted into a private room for a postprocedure consultation with the surgeon.
To notify the hostess desk if they intend on leaving while you are in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit/Recovery Room. When you are ready to leave the recovery room, your family or friends will be paged and notified of next steps.

After the Procedure

After the procedure, patients are taken to the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit. The length of time you stay in the Post-Anesthesia Care Unit will depend on the type of surgery you have had, physician orders, and your condition.

Outpatient

If you are an outpatient, you will be moved to a private room in the Same Day Surgery area following your recovery period. You will be observed to ensure you are tolerating liquids by mouth and your blood pressure and pulse are at levels within normal limits. Depending on your procedure, you may be required to empty your bladder prior to discharge. Your length of stay in the post-recovery area will depend on your procedure. Instructions for your post-procedure care will be reviewed with you and your family member or friend prior to discharge. All patients are required to have a responsible adult to drive them home and remain with them for at least 24 hours following surgery. If you are scheduled as an outpatient and your physician decides that further observation is necessary, or that you need more time to recover from your procedure, you may be admitted to the hospital.

Inpateint

Following the recovery period, patients who have undergone an inpatient procedure will be moved to a room on one of our patient care floors. When you arrive at your room, your nurse will monitor your vital signs, evaluate your condition, and make you as comfortable as possible. Family and friends can join you in the room once a nurse performs a post-surgical assessment. The length of your hospital stay will depend on the type of surgery you have undergone. Your nurse will advise you of your approximate discharge time on the day of your departure. Please make arrangements to have a responsible adult pick you up within an hour of your designated discharge time. You may receive a visit from a financial counselor before discharge for review of additional documentation.

Tips For Safer Surgery

Millions of people have surgery each year. Every surgery has risks, but we know there are some things we can do to avoid possible complications. What does this mean to you as a patient? Below are some of the steps the doctors and nurses at Brookwood Baptist Health follow in an effort to provide shorter and safer hospital stays for our patients.

To Help Prevent Infection

At Brookwood Baptist Health, we closely follow the Centers for Disease Control (CDC)’s recommendations for the prevention of surgical site infection. Here are a few ways we aim to control infection rates:

Antibiotics are typically given about 60 minutes prior to surgery and are stopped within 24 hours, in most cases.
A special soap containing Chlorahexidine (CHG) will be given to you in the pre-admission testing area. You should use it the night before and the morning before surgery to reduce the numbers of bacteria that normally live on the body. If you do not come to pre-admission testing, you can also buy CHG soap at most drug stores or Wal-Mart.
Do not shave, wax or use depilatory (hair removal) products to remove hair on the area where your surgery will be performed one week prior to surgery. Any necessary hair removal will be done at the hospital.

There are other things you should know to help wound healing and decrease the risk of infection. Factors such as smoking, diabetes and certain medications may have an effect on your body’s ability to heal after surgery.

How To Help Wound Healing & Decrease The Risk Of Infection

Stop smoking at least a week before surgery and while you are healing after surgery.
Do not use a nicotine patch or gum without talking about it with your doctor.
Eat well balanced, nutritious meals.
Drink eight cups of water each day unless you are told otherwise.
Follow the wound care instructions as directed.
Always wash your hands with soap and water before and after taking care of your wound. Do not touch your wound any more than necessary.
If you have diabetes, check your blood sugar and take your medicine as ordered.
Take a bath every day with antibacterial soap.
Cover your mouth when you cough or sneeze. Be sure to wash your hands with soap and water or use an antibacterial hand sanitizer.
Do not use hot tubs or get in a swimming pool until your wound is completely healed.
Make sure to use a clean towel that has not been used before. Do not share towels or washcloths with your family, and do not use a towel that has been used by anyone else.
Change the sheets on your bed often, at least weekly. If there is any drainage from your wound, change more often.

Case Management & Discharge Planning

Case Management is a program designed to ensure you will receive the most appropriate and efficient care possible while you are a patient at Shelby Baptist Medical Center. Your case manager is a registered nurse who has advanced knowledge and experience with patients who have conditions similar to yours. The case manager will work with your physician, nurses and other professionals within the hospital to coordinate the services that are provided for you.

Discharge Planning begins when you first meet with your Case Manager. This ensures a safe and timely transition to your next level of care. In most cases, you should know your potential discharge day within 24-48 hours of going home. If unsure, ask your nurse or case manager. Should you or your physician choose home health services, outpatient physical therapy, skilled nursing facility services or inpatient rehab, your case manager will assist in making these arrangements. Services may be limited based on your personal insurance benefits. Please call your insurer if you have any questions regarding your coverage.

Blood Donation

Donating blood is safe, easy and takes less than an hour. A single blood donation can help as many as three or four people. If you are interested in donating blood, visit LifeSouth.org or call 1-888-795-2707 to find the location nearest you. Donors must be at least 17 years old, weighing at least 110 pounds and in good general health to be eligible.

In Closing

When you return home, be sure to follow the post-operative care instructions provided by your physician and hospital staff. It’s important to follow your physician’s advice for the timing of your follow-up office visit. Within 24 to 48 hours, a Post-Anesthesia Care Unit nurse will call you to check on you and address any questions you may have.

We hope this booklet has provided you with valuable information concerning your scheduled procedure. Thank you for choosing Shelby Baptist Medical Center for your health care needs. We strive to exceed your expectations and always provide high-quality care.

For Patients

Not Going To Pat Expect 3 separate phone calls

Call 1: Verify Allergies, Medications
Patient will need to be able to give name, dosage, time taken and should include any OTC medications and vitamins. Patient will also be asked about their medical history. Call will be in the one week window pre surgery (between 8am and 3pm).

Call 2: Pre Admissions (Insurance and Financial)
Call will be in the one week window pre surgery (between 8am and 3pm).

Call 3: Day before surgery giving their time for arrival
Call will be between 4pm and 5:30pm.

Going To Pat

Please advise patients that they should eat/drink liquids and take their medications on the day they PAT, but only what is instructed at PAT on the day of surgery. Patients used to fasting for labs at their PMD, but they do not have to fast for the labs we will be drawing.
Please advise patients to expect total PAT to be 1-2 hours and tell them what they will be doing during this time.
They will go to admitting (will need insurance card and ID).
They will be sent to the surgery center and will need medication list including names, dosages and times taken of OTC meds and vitamins.
They need to know any past medical conditions and surgeries.
They will speak with the PAT nurse who will update their chart and order their labs based on their history and what surgery/procedure they are having. If PAT during the morning hours, they will see also an RN who works with anesthesia, then they will have any labs, ekg, etc required collected.

For Offices

Send Schedule Request/Order with the PAT time you have been given so that our Surgery Scheduler will be able to schedule the PAT appointment also. Even though they have given you a time verbally (either by phone or in person), they cannot enter it in Epic until they get your Schedule Request/Order and this will insure it is scheduled.

For those surgeons who order MRSA swabs, know that we will not receive results from these for at least 24 hours after the patient has been swabbed (depends on the time the lab starts the test). You will need to be sure patients needing an MRSA swab should not be scheduled the day before their surgery as we will not have results for surgery.

If you have a patient with a Cardiac History, it would be good to go ahead and request a Cardiac Clearance. If patients take blood thinners or anticoagulants and they will be compliant with the number of days Cardiology, or MD who writes the blood thinner/anticoagulant has approved.

If the patient did not PAT, either in person or by phone, the information on the instruction sheet is given the afternoon before surgery when times are called. Patients are advised to take any medications they take in the morning for heart, blood pressure, seizures, acid reflux and, if needed, pain, nausea or anxiety medications. If they use inhalers, they may use them but need to bring them with them. If they are diabetic, the diabetic instructions are given. If they have sleep apnea and use a CPAP or BIPAP, they are advised to bring it with them and leave it in the car to be gotten when they go to their room if admitted and in case they have to be admitted in case of low oxygen saturation.

Please contact Lisa Moseley with further questions:

Phone: (205) 620-8804
Email:[email protected]