HealthPark Hospital Patient Education

General

Orthopaedic

General

What if I have a problem when I go home?

If you experience a complication after being discharged from the hospital, call your physicians office. The on-call physician or nurse practitioner will direct your next plan of care.

What insurances do you accept?

We are in network with most major insurance companies and many smaller companies as well. We also contract with Medicare and Medicaid.

Will I receive one bill or multiple bills for my procedure?

You will be billed separately by each provider for your hospital stay because each maintains separate billing and collecting services. Depending on your procedure you may receive bills from any or all of the following: HealthPark Hospital, attending physician, any consulting physicians (such as pathologists or radiologists), and possibly an anesthesiologist.

What medications can I take before surgery?

Due to the extensive list of possible medications that exist, it is impossible to know whether your medication may or may not interfere with your procedure. Please consult your physician and inform your pre-assessment nurse of all medications you currently take and plan to take the day of surgery so that we may be aware of any modifications that may be necessary for your care.

Why can I not eat before surgery?

The risk of aspiration (inhaling stomach contents into the lungs) is greatly reduced when the stomach is empty. Therefore, we require nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night prior to your surgery.

What personal belongings should I bring with me or leave at home?

Please bring any personal items that you would normally require such as toiletries, pajamas, slippers, or robe. The use of cell phones is allowed although you may want a companion to handle these items in your absence. Do not bring valuables such as jewelry, large amounts of cash, or any other item of value.

What are your visiting hours?

Visitors are permitted at any time provided the patient is willing and not under isolation restrictions. Our front doors will be locked at 9:00p.m. We do ask that only one visitor remain overnight with the patient.

What meal options are available?

We offer catered meals from Wish Upon a Chef to our patients recovering on our inpatient unit and provide one guest tray per patient at the reduced rate of $5. Our dietary professionals will request your preferences for the day’s meals. Also, complimentary Gevalia coffee and snacks are available in our HealthPerk Café for patients and guests.

When will I be discharged?

Your discharge date will be determined by your physician and will vary depending on the reason for admission and your healing progression.

Orthopaedic

How do I know when I need a joint replacement?

When your pain begins to interfere with your lifestyle, and you can no longer accept having to make modifications to go about activities that are important to you.  This decision is very individual and only you can decide when it is time.

How long should I expect to stay in the hospital after a total joint replacement?

A typical stay would include your day of surgery and three days post-operatively. Some people may be released earlier or care may be extended based on your individual situation.

Will I be able to do everything I did before my joint replacement?

Depending on your overall health, you may be able to enjoy many activities that were too painful before such as playing golf, taking brisk walks and gardening. However, you may be restricted from running, jogging and other activities which require excessive stress to the joints.

What kind of pain control will be available after surgery?

Most patients undergoing total knee and hip replacement surgery will be given an epidural for post-operative pain management. This epidural catheter will be removed usually after the second day and oral pain medications will be administered thereafter.

How soon will I be able to walk after my surgery?

Our physical therapy department will get you out of bed and walking as early as the first evening after surgery. Your distance and progression will depend on your willingness and ability and will aid in your healing and your return to normal activities.

If your question is not answered above, please feel free to Ask a Doc.