Have questions?

Phone: 415-461-4400
Fax:  415 446-0141

Start your pre-registration.

You can contact the Pre-Registration Department at 415-461-4400

Before Your Surgery Checklist

  • Your doctor’s office may have notified you with your admission date and time of arrival at MSSC.  Normally this time does not change, however you should always follow the scheduled time that you are given on your pre-op call from our center.   Any changes will be verified with you.
  • Your doctor’s office may have also directed you to see your primary care physician for a pre-op evaluation, lab work, out patient tests, X-ray, and EKG.  Sometimes they request that you take special preps or meds pre-op.  Please follow these directions.
  • If you must cancel or delay your surgery or procedure, contact your doctor as soon as possible.  If you need to cancel the day of surgery, please call MSSC as well:  415-461-4400.
  • Take some time to read this information and discuss it with your family or friends.  In preparation for surgery, even though it is elective and may seem “minor”, it is always important to have a support system to call on if needed.
  • It is your responsibility to arrange in advance for a responsible adult to drive you home and to be with you the first 24 hours after surgery. You cannot drive yourself or be left alone if you have had general or spinal anesthesia or sedation.  We will ask you for your contact ride’s name and telephone, so that we can communicate with them about when you will be ready to go home.
  • Notify your physician before coming to the center if there is any change in your physical condition, such as flu, fever, infection, or an open sore – especially near your operative site.
  • Do not eat any solid food after midnight.  You may drink clear liquids up to 6 hours prior to surgery.  Clear liquids include any liquid that you can see through:  for example; water, juices without pulp, black coffee or tea without any creamer product.
  • Pick up any pre-prescribed post-op medications.  If you were not given one pre-op, give us the name of your preferred pharmacy.  We can order medications on the day of your surgery after you and your doctor discuss what you need.
  • You should have received an MSSC packet of papers from you doctor’s office. Please read and keep the informational documents and return the Patient Questionnaire & Acknowledgement forms. PLEASE: Fax: 1-866-425-0414, hand carry them in. DO NOT mail them.
  • NOTE: Many patients sign the Patient Acknowledgement Letter in their doctor’s office and they fax it to us. It is important that we receive this Letter before your date of service.

It is important for you to follow these guidelines before surgery to prevent delay or cancellations.

Food and Drink
The night before your surgery you may eat a light meal before 11:00 p.m. Do not drink or eat anything after midnight—not even coffee or water. You may brush your teeth, remembering not to swallow anything.

Pain patients may have clear liquids –no dairy, cream or fats– six (6) hours prior to your procedure IF you are having sedation.

Alcohol
Do not drink alcohol for at least 12 hours before your arrival.

Smoking/Tobacco
No smoking/tobacco after midnight the night before your surgery.

Makeup, Nail Polish, Jewelry (including body jewelry)
Please remove all these items before surgery.

Clothing
Wear loose, casual, comfortable clothing to fit over dressings.

Valuables
Please leave valuables at home.

Notify The Center & Your Surgeon If:

  • You have an elevated temperature, cough, cold, vomiting or diarrhea between your last visit to the surgeon and the day of your surgery.
  • You suspect you may be pregnant.
  • You are taking: diet pills, aspirin, ibuprofen, blood thinners, or certain herbal medicines. You may need to stop taking these 1-2 weeks before your surgery. You can discuss this with your surgeon.

What You Need The Day Of The Surgery:

  • Information To Bring: Insurance cards, photo ID, Medicare or Medical Assistance information, numbers and addresses.
  • Driver: You must plan to have someone drive you home. Do not plan to use taxis or other public transportation.
  • Escort: A friend, relative or dedicated caregiver MUST stay with you for 24 hours.
  • Legal Guardian: A legal guardian must be in the center AT ALL TIMES for children and dependent adults.
  • Care For Children: If you have young children at home for whom you normally care for, plan for someone else to care for them for at least the first 24 hours following your surgery.
  • Interpreter: If the patient cannot read, speak English or use sign language, an interpreter is required. If you need assistance arranging for an interpreter, please contact the Scheduling department 415-461-4400 as soon as possible.