The Perioperative Services Care Center is committed to providing our patients with the highest quality of care, no matter how brief or long their stay. When you have surgery, you benefit from the medical excellence for which Mount Sinai is renowned, provided in a carefully designed, patient-friendly environment. As always, we are at your service to help. We look forward to taking great care of you and making your time with us as pleasant and comfortable as possible.

The Weeks Before Your Surgery

Pre-Admission Testing

You may be asked by your surgeon to visit our Pre-Admission Testing Center where you will meet with anesthesiologists, nurses, and patient care associates, who will interview you and may conduct basic tests, such as blood tests, electrocardiogram, and chest X-ray. If you come to our Pre-Admission Testing Center, please bring:

• A list of all the medications you are taking (including dietary supplements and herbal remedies)
• Results of heart or lung tests (if you have them)
• The names and telephone numbers of doctors you see on a regular basis

Also be sure to tell us about any allergies you have (i.e. to medications, foods, and/or substances like latex or iodinated x-ray contrast).

Medications

Special instructions about your medication(s) in the days before your surgery may be given to you by your surgeon or by the anesthesiologist. In particular, drugs that prevent blood clotting (blood thinners, such as Coumadin, Plavix, aspirin, NSAIDs, and some herbal supplements) will require special instructions.

Stop Smoking

Research has clearly shown that smoking can increase the chances of complications of anesthesia and surgery, and also causes many long-term health problems. In addition, smoking is not permitted inside the hospital facilities. So now would be a perfect time to break the smoking habit. For help quitting (counseling, support, nicotine replacement, and other aids) speak with your doctor or read the Smoke Free for Surgery brochure.

Financial Planning

Questions related to hospital charges for your surgery can be addressed to Hospital Financial Screening (212-731-3600). If your surgery/procedure requires anesthesia services, you will receive a bill for anesthesia services separate from the hospital and surgeon. The anesthesiologists participate with many, but not all insurance plans. The surgeon's participation (or lack thereof) with an insurance plan may affect the anesthesia bill. Questions about billing and payment can be addressed in advance by calling our anesthesia billing providers (800-627-4470).