For more information please go to Health Information Center
How do I get an appointment with a surgeon?
Is a referral from another physician necessary?
What should I bring with me to the doctor's appointment?
How do I obtain my x-rays and reports from my referring physician?
What is involved in preparing me for surgery?
Where should I stay if I am from out of town?
How long will I be hospitalized after my surgery?
How do I get an appointment with a surgeon?
You may request an appointment through this WEB site or by calling (216) 444-6664.
Is a referral from another physician necessary?
No.
What should I bring with me to the doctor's appointment?
Any tests done outside CCF may be helpful to making a decision about your care. Bring actual films of CT scans, x-rays, MRI's, etc., as well as reports. If surgery is anticipated, a recent EKG and lab work may save repeating those tests in preparation for the surgery.
How do I obtain my x-rays and reports from my referring physician?
You will need to contact the physician or facility where the tests were performed to obtain actual films, slides and reports. You will need to sign a release of information form, and then go to the facility to pick up the films, slides and reports. Always call ahead (to the Medical Records and Radiology Records departments) so that they can prepare your information for you.
What is involved in preparing me for surgery?
Besides the surgery itself and tests that may clarify your condition, we will want to be sure your overall condition is reviewed by the Anesthesia department.
First, you will answer some questions regarding your view of your health on a touch screen computer (very easy and user friendly!) Then you may be scheduled for blood work, an EKG, chest x-ray and to meet with a teaching nurse to answer any questions about your surgery and recovery. Finally, you may meet with an anesthetist
nurse or physician who will discuss anesthesia and post operative pain management.
This process may take a 3-4 hour period or more, depending on tests which may be necessary.
If you are in good health and do not require preop work up or have had tests within the previous month, you may be able to talk with the teaching nurse that same day, and if no anesthesia testing is required, you may meet with them the same day of surgery.
Where should I stay if I am from out of town?
Lodging and travel information
How long will I be hospitalized after my surgery?
Of course this depends on the type of surgery. But many surgeries can now be performed on an outpatient basis, with an option of "Extended Recovery" if the patient does not meet discharge criteria. With Extended Recovery, the patient may stay up to 23 hours in a "short stay" nursing unit, receiving full nursing care without affecting the outpatient status of the surgery.
If more than an overnight stay is required by the complexity of the surgery and need for closer observation, admission to the hospital is preferable - and patients are evaluated daily as to readiness for discharge. Your surgeon will be able to give you estimated lengths of stay depending on your surgery and health status.
