Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need a physician’s referral to see a surgeon?
You do not need a physician’s referral to see a surgeon unless your insurances requires one. Please check with your insurance provider to see their requirements.
If I see a nurse practitioner or physician’s assistant, will my surgeon be informed of what we discussed?
Yes! Your doctor will review and coordinate your care with their physician’s assistant or nurse practitioner.
How do I schedule my surgery?
The office nurse or medical assistant will schedule your surgery.
I need to cancel my surgery. Who do I call?
Please call the office nurse or medical assistant at Oklahoma Surgical Associates if you need to cancel your surgery.
I need to cancel my appointment. Who do I call to cancel?
Please call the front office to cancel your appointment.
I’m having unusual side effects after my surgery. Who do I call?
Please call the nurse or medical assistant at Oklahoma Surgical Associates. We also have a 24 hour a day, seven day a week answering service. If you are having a medical emergency, please call 9-1-1.
I have bills from three different organizations, why is that?
You may receive separate bills from the hospital, your surgeon, the pathologist or the anesthesiologist. All of these important providers contributed to your surgery and may bill you separately. Please note, pathologists and anesthesiologists are often not employed by the hospital, so these entities will also bill you and your insurance separately.
How long will I be in the hospital?
Most surgeries are done on an outpatient basis and you go home the same day. If the surgery calls for an inpatient status, the doctor or nurse will discuss possible length of stay when your surgery is scheduled.
Do I need any special testing before my surgery?
Most surgeries require the standard pre-test of Chest X-ray, EGK, and lab work.
Do I need to contact my insurance?
Only if you want details of coverage, otherwise we will request pre-authorization through our insurance verification department.
Do I have to pay a co-pay at every post-op visit?
There are no charges for three months after surgery for post-op visits.
What time do I check into the hospital?
The hospital will call you between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. the day before your scheduled surgery with a time to check in.
What time is my surgery?
The hospital will call you the business day before your surgery between 2:00 p.m. and 5:00 p.m. to tell you what time you will need to arrive for your surgery.
How long is recovery?
Every patient is different, but usually patients are feeling back to normal between four to six weeks after surgery.
Will my activity be limited after surgery?
Yes. No heavy lifting (over 10-20 lbs.) for four to six weeks after surgery. After that time, activity should be tolerated.
I’ve already had my surgery and I’m having pain, swelling, bruising, etc. Is it normal?
Yes. However if you are having Intolerable pain, excessive swelling/ bruising, call our office to be reevaluated or go to the nearest emergency room.
What medications can I take?
Take your beta-blockers (Bystolic and any med that ends with “lol”) DO NOT TAKE other meds including any blood thinners and anti-inflammatories (fish oil, Aspirin, Aleve, Ibuprofen, Advil, Alteplase, Ardeparin, Dalteparin, Danaparoid, Enoxaparin, Fondaparinux, Lepirudin, Urokinase, Warfarin, Xarelto).
What can I eat after a gallbladder or colon surgery?
Diet as tolerated. Fats, grease, spicy foods, milk, alcohol, etc. can cause diarrhea. Eat a progressive bland, soft diet until other foods are tolerated.
Who do I call if I am having problems over the weekend or after the office is closed?
Please call the office of the physician who did your surgery. The answering service will take your call and send a message to the on-call physician. If you are having intolerable pain or severe symptoms please call 911 or go to your nearest emergency room.
