Preparing for Surgery

Once you and your doctor decide that surgery will help you treat your condition or injury, you need to be aware of what to expect from the surgery and create a treatment plan for the best results afterward. Preparing mentally and physically for surgery is an important step toward a successful result. Understanding the process and your role in it will help you recover more quickly and lead to fewer problems.

You should have been given a precertification letter when your surgery was scheduled.  This letter outlines the procedures codes (CPT) and diagnosis codes (ICD-10) that have been scheduled.  We will preauthorize your surgery if your insurance requires this.  It is still your responsibility as the patient to know your policy and comply.  If your policy has a co-pay, deductible, co-insurance or any of out of pocket balance you are responsible to pay this.  We also recommend you contact your insurance to confirm the facility your procedure is scheduled is in network with your plan.  If there is an issue please contact us immediately. 

IMPORTANT:  It is your responsibility to provide Kansas Orthopaedic Center, P.A. with current insurance so we can file claims and preauthorize your surgery.  If you have any changes in your insurance prior to surgery, such as policy changes, company changes or termination of coverage, you MUST notify Kansas Orthopaedic Center, P.A. immediately.  If you fail to do this and we do not file the appropriate insurance you could be responsible for all charges incurred.  Once you notify Kansas Orthopaedic Center, P.A. of any changes Kansas Orthopaedic Center, P.A. will contact your insurance company again to determine if prior authorization is required. 

Your contract is with your insurance and if you have questions regarding your policy you will need to contact them.  Some providers and facilities on your policy may be considered in-network or out of network.  It is your responsibility to know your policy.  The insurance will be able to give you this information when you call.  If you have any question regarding the billing process, please call our patient account department at 316-838-2020 or 800-937-2020.

Working with your doctor

Before surgery, your doctor will perform a complete physical examination to make sure you don’t have any conditions that could interfere with the surgery or the outcomes. Routine tests, such as blood tests and X-rays, are usually performed a week before any major surgery.

• Discuss any medications you are taking with your doctor and your family physician to see which ones you should stop taking before surgery.
• If you are taking aspirin or anti-inflammatory medications or warfarin or any drugs that increase the risk of bleeding, you will need to stop taking them one week before surgery to minimize bleeding.
• Discuss with your doctor about the options of preparing for potential blood replacement, including donating your own blood, medical interventions and other treatments, prior to surgery.
• If you are overweight, losing weight before surgery will help decrease the stress you place on your new joint. However, you should not diet during the month before your surgery.
• If you smoke, you should stop or cut down to reduce your surgery risks and improve your recovery.
• Have any tooth, gum, bladder or bowel problems treated before surgery to reduce the risk of infection later.
• Eat a well-balanced diet, supplemented by a daily multivitamin with iron.
• Report any infections to your surgeon. Surgery cannot be performed until all infections have cleared up.
• Arrange for someone to help out with everyday tasks like cooking, shopping and laundry.
• Put items that you use often within easy reach before surgery so you won’t have to reach and bend as often.
• Remove all loose carpets and tape down electrical cords to avoid falls.
• Make sure you have a stable chair with a firm seat cushion, a firm back and two arms.