What to Expect
When you choose LMH Health for surgery, you gain access to caring, qualified surgeons who tailor your care to your personal health needs. You’ll find that our surgeons want you to have the best possible outcome and take the time to listen to you, answer your questions, and understand your condition.
Surgery Consultation
Expect to meet with a surgeon to see if surgery is right for you. You’ll discuss the risks and benefits and alternatives of surgery. When possible, bring a friend or family member with you to provide support and take notes.
Comprehensive, Coordinated Care
Count on us to connect you with everything you need before, during, and after surgery. At LMH Health, we want your experience to be as comfortable and stress-free as possible. If you have questions, feel free to ask them of your surgical team at any time. It's important to understand every aspect of your procedure, including recovery time at home.
Day of Surgery
You’ll receive specific instructions on when to arrive for surgery. Be sure to have a family or friend with you for support and transportation. Rely on your surgical team to keep them updated on your progress throughout the day.
What to Bring
On the day of your surgery, bring:
- Current medication list with dosage information
- Insurance information and photo identification
- Pajamas and slippers if you’re staying overnight and prefer to wear your own
- Personal items (including a case for eyewear if applicable) and toiletries
- Form of payment if you haven’t paid prior to surgery
For children, please bring a favorite comfort item, a bottle with a nipple or a sippy cup, extra diapers, and a change of clothing.
Advance Directives
If you have a written document that states your wishes regarding medical treatment, like an advance directive, bring it with you on the day of your surgery.
What to Leave at Home
Keep the following items home:
- Cash and credit cards unless payment was not completed prior to your surgery
- Jewelry, including body piercings
- Contact lenses (please wear your glasses)
- Any other valuables
LMH Health does not assume responsibility for lost items.
Arriving at the Hospital
Use the parking lot on the east side of the hospital in front of the Maine Street entrance. Check in at the information desk in the main lobby of the Maine Street entrance.
Present your photo identification and insurance information. Provide consent for a child or patient unable to sign for his or herself. You can print and complete the Consent Form [PDF] in advance if you wish.
Right Before Surgery
You’ll be given a COVID-19 antigen test before surgery. As the time for your surgery approaches, your nurse may start an intravenous (IV) line in your arm or hand to give you fluids and medications. Your nurse will answer any questions for you and your family. Ask for extra blankets if you’re cold. An operating room nurse will come for you when it’s time for your surgery, and your loved ones will go to the Family Waiting Area.
During Surgery
Our large, private surgical suites offer the latest technology. For your protection, operating room staff wears special caps and masks.
A pre-op heart monitor, a blood pressure cuff, and other medical devices may be attached to you to monitor your vital signs during surgery. You may notice special equipment hanging from the ceiling or placed on either side of your table to give your surgical team important information about your health. A large monitor is overhead, so your surgeon can easily see essential information.
Family Waiting Area
During your surgery, family and friends may stay in the Family Waiting Area next to the surgery suites. They'll have plenty of room with comfortable seating and televisions and free internet access.
Your surgeon will talk with your family once your procedure is over to provide an update.
Immediately After Surgery
Immediately after surgery, your nurse and anesthesia provider will take you to the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU), also known as the recovery room. Your nurse will continue to monitor your recovery closely and check your vital signs frequently. Your surgeon will check in with your family in one of our private family conference rooms.
Paying for Surgery
LMH accepts private pay and works with most insurance companies. Contact your insurance provider to verify your coverage. If you’re concerned about your ability to pay for surgery, learn about financial assistance.
