Surgical Patients

PRE-SURGERY TESTING

Once the decision is made for you to undergo surgery, you will meet with a Concord Orthopaedics central scheduler to determine a date for your procedure. They will assist you in identifying a convenient pre-surgery testing facility should this be needed. At this time, you will receive a packet of information regarding your surgery. Included in the packet is a yellow sheet for you to record a brief medical history. We ask that you complete the medical history as soon as possible and return it in the pre-paid green envelope provided in the packet.

Our mailing address is Orthopaedic Surgery Center, 116 Langley Parkway, Concord, NH 03301.

Your medical history provides us with important information and alerts us to any conditions that may require additional follow-up prior to surgery. Completing the necessary paperwork and any pre-testing obligations guards against any potential delays to your scheduled surgical procedure.

FOR PATIENTS OVER 50 OR WITH PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Patients over 50 years of age or patients with pre-existing medical conditions will be scheduled for pre-surgery testing. The central schedulers at Concord Orthopaedics will work with you to identify the most convenient place for pre-surgery testing to take place. Some of the tests that might be done during pre-surgery testing may include blood work and/or an electrocardiogram. Please bring all the medication you are taking in their original containers or a current list of the medications (including herbal supplements) and dosages at the time of your pre-surgery testing visit.

For those tested at the Orthopaedic Surgery Center, you will meet with a nurse to review your health record. The nurse will explain the routine and answer your questions. If you have your pre-surgery testing performed elsewhere, an Orthopaedic Surgery Center nurse will contact you by telephone to review your medical history.

FOR PATIENTS UNDER 50 OR WITH NO PRE-EXISTING MEDICAL CONDITIONS

If pre-surgery testing is not indicated because you are under the age of 50 or you have no pre-existing medical conditions, you will receive a telephone call from one of the Orthopaedic Surgery Center nurses to discuss your medical history, medications, allergies, and any special needs you may have. You can expect to hear from us by telephone approximately two weeks prior to your scheduled surgery date. If we miss reaching you, please call us back at 603.228.7211 and let us know the best time and way to reach you in advance of your scheduled surgery date. At the time of this call, we will review your medical history and preoperative instructions and ensure you are medically cleared for surgery in a timely manner.

QUESTIONS TO EXPECT DURING THE PRE-SURGERY CALL

• Have you had surgery before? What kind and when? Did you experience any problems with anesthesia?
• Do you have any past and current medical problems, e.g., heart, lung, or circulation problems, diabetes, high blood pressure?
• What medications are you taking?
• Do you have any reactions to drugs, food, latex, metal, or pollen-type allergies? What happens to you with these allergies?
• Have you or a member of your family ever had any problems with anesthesia? Have you ever been told that the anesthesiologist had difficulty with your airway during a previous surgery?
• Have you made the necessary post-operative arrangements such as securing a ride home, arranging for any extra help or preparing your home?