Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery

The Preadmissions Process

Patients undergoing joint replacement surgery at Baptist complete a preadmission process up to 30 days prior to the scheduled surgery date.

Your medical history is valuable during preadmission screening. If you are unable to provide your medical history, bring a friend or family member with you who can provide that information on your behalf.

For complete details about preadmissions, click here to visit our Patients & Visitors section.

What to Bring to the Hospital

• If there has been a change in your daily medications since the pre-admissions appointment, or if you didn't pre-admit: bring medications in their original bottles, or a list of medications including name, dosage, and instructions
• Walker, crutches, etc. if you have them for use after surgery
• Insurance documentation
• Any documents that may require your doctor's signature
• Identification
• Loose fitting clothes, robe, closed heel slippers
• Hygiene items including toothbrush/toothpaste, soap, etc.
• Book, pen, paper, magazines, etc.
• Eyeglass or contact lens case (please remove contact lenses prior to hospital admission)

Do Not Bring

• Any valuables
• Cash, credit cards
• Jewelry
• Electronic Appliances
• Tobacco products - Baptist is a smoke-free, tobacco-free facility

Planning for Surgery: The Checklist

3-4 weeks before:

• Pre-admit at MBHS Colonnades
• Medical Clearance with primary care provider
• Attend Joint Replacement Orientation Class
• Donate blood, if prescribed by surgeon
• Discontinue all herbal supplements, weight loss drugs
• Arrange for a friend or family member to be your coach. The coach's role includes attending Joint Replacement class, staying with the patient while in the hospital and after discharge, assisting with personal hygiene as needed, change dressing if needed, transport patient to physical therapy and doctor appointments after discharge from hospital.
• Discuss with primary care provider/ prescribing physician when to discontinue aspirin, blood thinner medications, anti-inflammatory medications, and dosage of oral diabetes medications or insulin on morning of surgery, etc.

Day before surgery:

• Discontinue use of alcohol and tobacco products
• Do not shave your legs or surgical area
• NOTHING to eat or drink after midnight (including candy or gum)

Morning of surgery:

• Arrive at the scheduled time
• In the main hospital, report to the Same Day Surgery reception desk.
• NOTHING to eat or drink
• You may brush your teeth but do not swallow any water
• Do not shave your legs, face, or surgical area
• If you are on medications for your heart, blood pressure, or diabetes that you typically take in the morning, then BE SURE to discuss with the prescribing physician or surgeon whether or not to take them on the morning of surgery.