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If you have been advised that surgery is recommended for your condition, you may have a number of questions. Many of them are answered below. For more information, talk to your doctor.
Answer: Once the decision to schedule surgery has been made, Twin Cities Spine Center staff assist in scheduling the surgery. The secretaries work with patients to set a date and time for the surgery; nurse clinicians begin the education and preparation of patients; and a representative of the business office will begin insurance pre-certification of the surgical procedure. (Patients who need Worker's Compensation approval for surgical procedures will receive a surgery date once this authorization is obtained).
Back to topAnswer: A nurse clinician works with each Twin Cities Spine Center physician to coordinate the preparation and education of all surgical patients. Patients receive educational materials and support throughout the preoperative process.
All patients undergoing surgery will need a history and physical performed by their family physician. Many patients will donate or have blood donated for them as they prepare for surgery. Other preparations may include; additional diagnostic testing, consultations with medical specialists or brace fittings.
The day before surgery, patients complete surgery preparations that may include skin and/or bowel cleansing and diet restrictions. The nurse clinician provides the details of these preparations and guides patients as they prepare for surgery.
Back to topAnswer: Most patients are instructed to arrive at the hospital on the day they are scheduled for surgery. The nurse clinician or secretary will instruct patients on arrival times.
Back to topAnswer: Some surgeries are performed on an outpatient basis while others require a hospital stay. As a part of the surgery discussion, the physician will provide an estimated length of hospitalization. However, discharge from the hospital is more dependent on the achievement of certain goals than an estimated number of days. These goals include pain management, tolerance of activity and an understanding of discharge teaching.
Back to topAnswer: No two hospitalizations are alike. Pathways, which outline the usual course of a hospital stay, are given to most patients. Physicians and nurse clinicians will also describe what patients may expect while hospitalized.
Back to topAnswer: Patients may be asked to complete a discharge assessment form before surgery. This assessment helps clinic and hospital staff identify patients who may need additional care at discharge, such as transfer to a transitional care facility, home care, physical therapy and/or medical equipment. Most patients will not need additional services and can care for themselves at discharge.
Back to topAnswer: Most patients are seen in the clinic six weeks after surgery. Additional follow-up is determined at this first visit. Patients may be seen at intervals for up to a year or more depending on the type of surgery performed. The physician and staff provide instruction on follow-up visits.
Back to topAnswer: Contact the physician's staff at any time with questions or concerns after discharge from the hospital. Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m., call (612) 775-6200 to speak to a nurse clinician. After business hours, on weekends and holidays, contact the on-call physician at (612) 775-6200.
Report any of the following occurrences immediately:
Report any of the following immediately: