Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to visit the hospital before surgery date?
No, but some patients may choose to come to the hospital before their surgery date to complete paperwork or make payments.
Some families may elect to bring their children for a preoperative tour of McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center.
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May I pre-register for my surgery?
Yes. You may register online or by calling 541-744-6000.
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What if I cannot make my appointment?
Please notify the surgeon and McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center at 541-744-6000 as early as possible if you cannot make your scheduled appointment. Early notification can help us better accommodate you and other patients.
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What should I wear?
Please wear comfortable clothing. Button down the front shirts or blouses are best. Wear comfortable shoes. Leave all jewelry at home, including body-piercing jewelry. If you wear contact lenses you will need to remove them for the surgery, so bring your glasses. If you have to wear your contacts, please being contact solution and contact lenses case. Please do not wear make-up as this can hide certain clinical signs.
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Why must I refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery?
You refrain from eating and/or drinking prior to surgery in order to prevent the risks of aspirating gastric contents during your surgery. This complication is very serious and you need to strictly abide by our recommendations. This has nothing to do with nausea and vomiting after your surgery as some think.
We have very clear policies as to specific times before surgery when you must refrain from eating and/or drinking. These are all based on safety standards. Children have different fasting schedules than adults - so please check in the Children Special Needs section.
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Should I take my usual daily medications?
We generally request that you take your medication before leaving home. Blood pressure and diabetic medications will be individualized. We will usually hold diabetic medicines and manage your blood sugar at the hospital. You should be contacted before your surgery, leaving no doubts in your mind as to which medications you should take. Please bring all your medications with you.
People using inhalers must bring them to the hospital on the day of surgery.
Some medications will be stopped for the surgery, particularly diabetes medications and blood thinners. You should bring these medications with you the day of surgery. Please call us with any questions you may have.
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May I continue my herbal medications?
Herbal medications may have harmful effects on the surgery. Many of these remedies may affect your clotting mechanism and interfere with the anesthetic agents. We generally request that you stop these medications two weeks before surgery. Please remember to mention these remedies when being asked about medications.
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Who may accompany me?
You are welcome to bring one or two persons with you to the hospital. Family may wait in the waiting are while you are being prepared for and during your surgery. When the patient is a child often two parents and/or guardians will accompany him or her to the hospital. Please refrain from bringing young children to the hospital. All children must be under adult supervision at all times.
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Should I bathe and wash my hair before leaving home?
Yes. You can comfortably take a shower, bathe, brush your teeth, etc. Please do not use make-up, hair spray or perfume. You will be instructed in an antibacterial shower regime prior to admission.
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What should I do if I am not feeling well?
If you are not feeling well, please contact your surgeon immediately. During normal business hours, you can call McKenzie-Willamette for advice. There are some surgeries which are safer if delayed when you are sick. We need to know specific details to make the decision. Please do not delay in contacting your surgeon or the hospital.
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What should I do if I started my menstrual cycle?
This will not affect most surgical procedures. There are a few specific gynecological procedures which may be impacted by menstruation. Call your surgeon if you have any questions.
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What should I do if I believe that I am pregnant?
It is very important for us to be aware of this possibility. Only essential surgery is done on pregnant patients. If there is any doubt please contact us immediately.
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May I drive home?
We require that all patients have a ride home and have a responsible adult to assist in the recovery for 24 hours. Patients will not be allowed to drive, walk, or take public transportation after sedation or anesthesia.
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May I speak to my anesthesiologist before the surgery?
Most patients have their questions answered by a R.N. or anesthesiologist at the pre-operative visit. All patients will be seen by an anesthesiologist on the day of the surgery prior to entering the operating room. Sufficient time should be spent to answer any additional questions you may have. Please make sure that the hospital has an accurate phone number to assure contact if necessary.
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What if I have special needs?
We will make every effort to accommodate any special need you may have. The pre-admission nurse will discuss these needs with you. We strongly encourage you to alert the surgeon's office in advance so that we can properly prepare to make you comfortable.
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Should I bring my special needs equipment?
Yes. Please bring any walkers, post-op crutches, hearing aids, etc.
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What must I bring with me on the day of surgery?
- Bring insurance identification cards, driver's license, and estimated deposit (if applicable)
- Bring medication list
- Make sure you have a ride home and someone to care for you at home for 24 hours
- Wear comfortable, loose fitting clothing
- Leave all jewelry and valuables at home
- Bring case for eyeglasses or contacts
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How will my pain be managed?
The management of your pain is of great importance to us. We will be assessing your level of pain from the time of admission until you receive our postoperative call at home.
It is essential that we are able to assess your pain level during your stay. The Pre-Op nurse will inform you of the scale we use in ranking pain.
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Who do I talk to if I have a complaint?
At McKenzie-Willamette Medical Center we share your concerns about health care safety. The staff and healthcare professionals are committed to providing the best care for you and your family. We ask you and your families to join us to make sure that our care meets your needs. We encourage you to let us know when it does not. It will help us to know how we can improve our health care services to our customers.
If you have comments, questions, or concerns during your stay, please Contact the Director of Perioperative Services at: 541-726-3167 or our Quality Department at: 541-726-3197.
If you feel that your concerns were not resolved you may contact our state licensing agency:
Department of Health and Human Services Health Care
Licensure Division: @971-673-0540
Or email: mailbox.hclc@state.or.us
You may also express your concerns to our accrediting agency:
The Joint Commission (TJC).
TJC is an independent, not-for-profit, national organization that oversees the safety and quality of health care organizations.
1-800-994-6610
You may also express your concerns to our Federal licensing agency:
Center for Medicare/Medicade services (CMS)
You may reach the Office of Medicare Beneficiary Ombudsman via email.
www.cms.hhs.gov/center/ombudsman.asp
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