Frequently Asked Questions for Inpatients

• What happens after my surgery is scheduled at MPSH?
• Should I bring any prescription medications or pain medicine?
• What should I bring if I'm staying overnight?
• Can I have visitors?
• What should I do the morning of surgery?
• Can I eat or smoke before surgery?
• Will there be a TV in my room?
• Can I use the phone to make personal calls?
• When will I be discharged?
• How early do I need to check in and why?
• Should I take my routine medications before surgery?
• How can I provide feedback on my experience at MPSH?
• What is an Advance Health Care Directive?
• When do I pay for my surgery?
• How can I obtain an itemized bill?
• Do I need to go to MPSH before my surgery?

What happens after my surgery is scheduled at MPSH?

Our nurses will contact you before your surgery to complete a preoperative assessment. If we have not reached you by the day prior to your surgery, please call 650-324-8500 and ask to speak to a nurse regarding your preoperative assessment. Follow your physician's instructions regarding your surgery.

You will also be contacted by our registration staff to complete admitting and insurance information. An estimate of your financial obligation will be made at that time. Please bring your insurance or Medicare card, a copy of your Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) and any payment required on the day of surgery. If you do not have an AHCD, you can download one from the patient information section.

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Should I bring any prescription medications or pain medicine?

Bring any prescription medications or supplements you currently take to the hospital. Bring them in their original, labeled containers. Do not bring pain medication. Any medication you require will be provided at the hospital. Ask you physician if you should take your medication the day of surgery.
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What should I bring if I'm staying overnight?

A patient gown, robe, towels, toothbrush and toothpaste will be available to you in your suite, but you are welcome to bring your own comfortable night clothes and slippers. Bring any additional personal toiletry items you require.

Leave jewelry and other valuables at home. If you wear contact lenses, bring your glasses with you.
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Can I have visitors?

Visiting hours are from 6 a.m. to 11 p.m. everyday. After 7:30 p.m. visitors will need to use the doorbell to get in. One visitor may receive complimentary meals during your stay. You may have one guest over the age of 18 stay overnight with you in your suite. A hide-a-bed couch is provided.
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What should I do the morning of surgery?

Shower or bathe to minimize the chance of infection.

Wear loose, comfortable clothing to the hospital. For surgery involving the face, chest or abdominal area, a zippered or button-down garment is preferable. You will find this especially helpful when returning home, as you will want to avoid any unnecessary pressure on sensitive surgery sites. Wear flat shoes. Slip-on styles are best.
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Can I eat or smoke before surgery?

Do not eat any solid food or drink any liquids after midnight the night before surgery. This includes water, chewing gum and mints. Rinse your mouth without swallowing any liquid when you brush your teeth.

It is recommended that you refrain from smoking the day before and the morning of your surgery.
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Will there be a TV in my room?

As every patient suite is equipped with a TV and VCR, you may wish to bring along some favorite videos to enjoy in addition to the ones available from our video library.
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Can I use the phone to make personal calls?

You may bring a calling card or cell phone to make personal calls from your room. Please remember cell phones should not be used in the hallway.
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When will I be discharged?

Patients are discharged at 11 a.m. Please arrange to be picked up at or before that time.

You must have a family member or friend drive you home after surgery. For your safety, we do not allow patients to leave unaccompanied.
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How early do I need to check in and why?

Please check in at the reception desk one and a half hours prior to your scheduled surgery time. You will need to go through the admission packet with the admission clerk and a nurse, prepare for your surgery and meet with the anesthesiologist and physician. Pain management patients are required to check in one hour prior to the scheduled time.

For early morning surgery patients, please ring the doorbell to the left of the front door for admittance. On occasion, surgery times can change. Please make sure we have your correct phone number to contact you the day of the surgery if we need you to arrive before your originally scheduled time.
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Should I take my routine medications before surgery?

If you normally take medications during the fasting period, check with your surgeon to see if you should take them the night before or morning of your surgery.
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How can I provide feedback on my experience at MPSH?

MPSH wants to hear about your experience. You will receive a questionnaire in your admissions packet. Please complete the questionnaire and return it in the provided self-addressed, stamped envelope within one week of discharge.

The staff of MPSH works hard to maintain a reputation for excellent care and service. The physicians, nurses and other staff members promise to make your surgical experience as pleasant as possible for you, your family and guests. Please bring to their attention anything they can do to make your stay more comfortable.
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What is an Advance Health Care Directive?

An Advance Health Care Directive (AHCD) allows individuals to appoint an agent who has power of attorney to make care and treatment decisions on their behalf, and give instructions about their health care wishes.

Please bring a copy of your AHCD on the day of your surgery. If you do not have an AHCD, you can download one from the patient information. section.
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When do I pay for my surgery?

It is the policy of MPSH to estimate the patient's financial responsibility based on the information available prior to surgery. The patient is expected to pay this estimated amount, which includes both their co-payment and deductible at the time of admission.

When MPSH receives the Explanation of Benefits from your insurance company after the surgery they will make the necessary adjustments. These may include sending the patient an updated bill with the amount due or sending the patient a refund.
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How can I obtain an itemized bill?

MPSH can prepare an itemized bill for a patient approximately two weeks after discharge. You can request an itemized bill by calling the billing department at 650-324-8500.
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Do I need to go to MPSH before my surgery?

MPSH requests that each inpatient make an appointment to come in before their scheduled surgery to fill out the necessary paperwork. At this time, you will also have the opportunity to tour the facility.

Please call 650-324-8500 to schedule this appointment prior to your surgery.
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