Patient Information

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Day Surgery Information

Guest Services

MeritCare Guest Services offers help and information to patients and family members. Contact them at:

  • (701) 234-5524
  • (800) 437-4010, ext. 5524 toll-free

Plan Ahead

  • Read any education materials from your doctor or nurse about your condition.
  • Request a hearing or language interpreter, if needed, through your doctor.
  • For the health and safety of patients, visitors and staff, smoking is not allowed in any MeritCare building or property. If you feel that your emotional and/or physical well-being may be affected by this, talk with your doctor to explore other non-smoking alternatives before coming to the hospital.
  • Arrange for a ride home with an adult driver.
  • Familiarize yourself with the patient bill of rights.

On the Day of Surgery

Nothing to eat or drink before surgery
  • No solid foods, milk products or juices with pulp, eight hours before surgery.
  • Clear liquids (water, black coffee, tea, apple juice and soda) are allowed until four hours before surgery, then nothing by mouth.
  • No chewing gum, lozenges or hard candy before your procedure.
  • Brush your teeth and rinse only.
Medications

Take only doctor-approved medications, as instructed, with a small sip of water only, the morning of your procedure:

  • Pain medication, if needed.
  • Heart medications.
  • Blood pressure medications.
  • Seizure medications.
  • Asthma medications (please bring your inhalers with you to the hospital).
No toiletries or cosmetics
  • Perfumes, lotions, aftershaves or strong-smelling soaps should not be used on the day of your procedure.
  • Do not wear makeup or use hair-styling products.
  • Nail polish should be removed, however, acrylic nails are permitted.
  • Please remove your contact lenses and wear glasses on the day of your surgery.

What to Bring to the Hospital

Forms and other documents
  • Copies of your physical examination and any lab reports.
  • Insurance information, including names of companies and policy numbers. You should be clear about how to get authorization from your insurance company for the procedure, how claims are filed and your responsibility for payment, if applicable. If you are not insured, call Patient Accounts at (701) 234-1191.
  • Medication record, including all current prescribed medications, vitamins, nutritional supplements and or herbs you are taking. These products may interact with anesthesia or affect how well your blood clots. Your health care team can make adjustments if they know what you are taking.
  • Advance Directive (a Living Will and a Durable Power of Attorney for Health Care). Consider completing this process before your stay. If you already have one, please bring a copy with you.
Personal belongings
  • All current medications in their original containers.
  • Containers for contact lenses, glasses, dentures or hearing aids.
  • No cash or other valuables.
  • No jewelry.

Going Home After Surgery

For safety reasons, day surgery patients are not permitted to leave the hospital alone.

  • Arrange for an adult to drive you home or call a taxi.
  • An adult should stay with you for at least 24 hours after you go home.
  • Your doctor and/or your nurse will consult with your home caregiver about any needed medications or special care you require.