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Preparing for Surgery

Our virtual tour videos take you through Pre-Admission Testing and Day of Surgery at our Akron Campus.

Pre-Admission Testing

Video

Day of Surgery Tour

Video

Registration

Surgery at Summa Health System-Akron Campus:

Option 1:
Contact Registration at 330.375.3915, weekdays 8:00 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Option 2:
Wait for a Summa Representative to call to complete a phone registration.

Surgery at Summa Health System-Barberton Campus:

Option 1:
Contact Registration at 330.996.8796, weekdays 7:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Option 2:
Wait for a Summa Representative to call to complete a phone registration.

Surgery at Summa Health Wadsworth-Rittman Medical Center:

Option 1:
Contact Registration at 330.996.8796, weekdays 7:00 a.m. - 6:30 p.m. and Saturdays 9:00 a.m. - 1:00 p.m.

Option 2:
Wait for a Summa Representative to call to complete a phone registration.

Advance Beneficiary Notice

Medicare Insurance carriers may be asked to be financially responsible for tests that are ordered by your surgeon but may not be covered by Medicare. Your registrar will explain if this applies to your testing.

Pre-Admission Testing Department

330.375.7783

Summa Health System – Akron Campus

  • 141 N. Forge St., Akron OH (Main Entrance)
  • Patients can park in valet or in the Adolph parking garage, validation is available. Proceed to central registration in the Dr. Gary B. and Pamela S. Williams Tower, main lobby. 

Summa Health System - Barberton Campus

Why Pre-Admission Testing (PAT) is necessary before surgery

At Summa Health, your safety is our primary concern. PAT consists of a medical history, physical exam and tests to ensure that you are medically cleared for your planned surgery. PAT makes the patient, surgeon and anesthesia team aware of any medical conditions that can affect surgery.

What you can expect during your visit

  • Your PAT appointment takes approximately one hour, depending on the complexity of your medical history and the tests you need.
  • A nurse will take your vital signs and weight.
  • A nurse and a medical provider (nurse practitioner or physician) will perform a medical history and a physical exam. 
  • If necessary, you will have an electrocardiogram (EKG), blood work and/or X-rays.
  • The medical provider will determine if further evaluation is necessary, such as a stress test, echocardiogram or a referral to a specialist.
  • The consent form will be reviewed and signed.

What you must bring to your PAT Appointment

  1. Photo identification and insurance card
  2. List of current medications (including over-the-counter medicines, vitamins and herbal supplements) with doses and frequency
  3. Living Will and Advance Directive (if you have one)
  4. Legal guardianship or Durable Power of Attorney (DOA-HC) documents (if required)

Special Preparations for the Day Before

If your doctor or pre-admission testing has given you specific instructions regarding medications, bathing or bowel preparation in addition to those below, it is important to follow them carefully.

  1. Get a good night’s sleep
  2. Do not drink alcohol or smoke 24 hours before surgery
  3. Use of recreational drugs may result in your surgery being cancelled
  4. Have a family member or friend available to drive you home after surgery

If you become ill or display other medical problems before your procedure, please let your surgeon know right away.

Anesthesia Instructions for Eating and Drinking

We encourage you to drink the following fluids up until two hours before your scheduled surgery time:

  1. Water
  2. Electrolyte sports drink - diabetic patients, please opt for zero sugar option
  3. Black coffee
  4. Clear tea
  5. Apple juice
  6. Cranberry juice
  7. Carbonated beverages

NO FOOD (including candy, mints or gum), milk, milk products, protein or energy drinks the day of your surgery.

On the Day of Your Procedure

  1. Take a bath or shower using antibacterial soap.
  2. Do not shave the skin around your surgical site.
  3. Wash your hair.
  4. Brush your teeth, floss and use mouthwash.
  5. Wear loose fitting clothing.
  6. Take medications as directed.
  7. Do not bring valuables to the hospital.
  8. Do not wear jewelry, piercings, makeup, hair spray, powder, lotion or deodorant.
  9. Do not eat candy, mints or chew gum.
  10. You may bring dentures, hearing aids, contact lenses and eyeglasses.
  11. There will be forms and consents to sign in addition to those you may have already signed.
  12. Upon arrival, we will review your health assessment including an inspection of your skin.
  13. As you are prepped for surgery in a private room, you will be asked to remove clothing, dentures and glasses and will be provided a hospital gown.
  14. An anesthesiologist (i.e., the doctor who manages your sedation) will talk to you about your care, including personalized pain control.

Checklist of Items to Bring with You

  1. Valid picture ID
  2. Insurance or Medicare card
  3. Any co-pay required to be paid
  4. Portable oxygen (if used at home)
  5. Your machine for sleep apnea
  6. Plan for transportation and care
  7. Person to contact and phone number
  8. Cases for eyeglasses, contact lenses, dentures and/or hearing aids
  9. Living Will and Advance Directive (if you have one)
  10. Legal guardianship or Durable Power of Attorney (DOA-HC) documents (if required)
  11. A book, magazine or music (digital music player or headphones); Wi-Fi available
  12. Do not bring valuables to the hospital.

After Your Procedure

Immediately after your procedure you will be monitored until the sedation begins to wear off. You may experience some discomfort.

  • Your nurse will assist you with pain control to keep you comfortable and work with you towards a quick surgical recovery and a great surgical outcome.
  • We want you to be able to move in bed, cough and breathe deeply.

Once you are more awake, you will either be taken to a hospital room or to the outpatient area until you are ready to go home. At this time, you will be able to see your family member or friend. If you are going home the same day, you will get dressed and receive instructions for your care at home.

Going Home the Same Day

For your safety and protection, do not drive, operate any machinery or make important decisions the day of surgery. You must have an adult available to stay with you during the first 24 hours you are at home.

If you are taking a taxi home, you must have an adult accompanying you. 

You and your family member or friend will be given written instructions from your discharge nurse prior to going home. To ensure a safe recovery, please follow your discharge instructions.

Patient Experience

Summa Health is committed to quality, compassionate care and a positive patient experience. We randomly survey our patients to receive feedback on how we did and what we can do better. Your comments are very important to us. You are encouraged to recognize any members of your care team who provided exceptional care. We hope that you will take a few moments to complete and return the survey in the envelope provided.

Emmi® – Patient Education Resource

Emmi® is a series of free online programs that provides important information about a health topic. As the most important member of your healthcare team, you should have all the information you need. Prior to your procedure, you will receive program instructions via email or phone call notification. You can view programs on any device with internet access.

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Options to Request an Appointment

If your situation is an emergency, call 911.