Although every surgical procedure is different, here are some general guidelines that help most patients prepare for surgery. If you have more specific questions or need additional information, please contact your surgeon’s office.

The Week Before
Our team will work with you the week before your surgery to make sure that you are prepared for your procedure. A pre-testing appointment will be scheduled and may include:

• A review of your medical history
• X-rays, laboratory tests, EKG and/or other tests
• Meeting with anesthesiology representatives
• Pre-surgery registration
• Medication analysis – Please bring an accurate current list of all medications that you  are taking, including all medications prescribed by a physician and all medications or vitamins that you purchase

Please bring your insurance cards/forms, office forms and a list of current medications with you to this pre-testing appointment.

In addition, please plan to contact your insurance company before your surgery to check your coverage or pre-certification.

Please note that surgery may be postponed if you develop a cough, cold, abnormal temperature, sore throat or flu-like symptoms. Surgery may also need to be rescheduled if you have had contact with anyone suffering from measles, chickenpox or other communicable diseases within two weeks of your surgery date.

The Day Before

• Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center
  Patients who will be treated at Memorial Medical Center are asked to call 534-3403 or 1-866-669-5949 between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm the day before surgery to confirm your arrival time. Patients who are scheduled for a Monday procedure are asked to call on Friday.
  
  
• Conemaugh Memorial Medical Center - Lee Campus
  Patients who will be treated at Memorial Medical Center - Lee Campus are asked to call 534-6672 between 1:00 pm and 4:00 pm the day before surgery to confirm your arrival time. Patients who are scheduled for a Monday procedure are asked to call on Friday.
  
  
• Conemaugh Meyersdale Medical Center
  Patients who will be treated at Meyersdale Medical Center will be contacted by hospital representatives the day before surgery to confirm arrival times.
  
  
• Conemaugh Miners Medical Center
  Patients who will be treated at Miners Medical Center will be contacted by hospital representatives the day before surgery to confirm arrival times.

Here are a few other items for your consideration:

• Please remove fingernail and toenail polish.
• Do not smoke for at least 12 hours before surgery.
• Please do not eat solid food, chew gum or tobacco, smoke or consume alcohol or lozenges after midnight. Clear liquids should be stopped at least four hours before you come to the hospital. In addition, please follow any rules your surgeon has given you related to food and liquids. It is essential that the rules be followed for any procedures that will require anesthesia. Your surgery may be canceled if there are questions about food or beverage consumption.

The Day of Surgery
For your convenience, free parking is available on all Conemaugh Health System campuses for surgical patients. As you prepare for your procedure, please keep the following guidelines in mind:

• Bring your own daily medications but do not take any medication before your surgery unless you have received approval to do so.
• Wear loose-fitting clothing.
• Do not wear make-up, including lipstick, and please avoid skin lotions and powders.
• Do not bring money, jewelry or other valuables, including dentures.
• Please shower or bathe the morning of surgery and use any prescribed soap as instructed.
• Please have an adult accompany you to drive you to and from the hospital. In addition, someone should stay with you the night following surgery.