So You're Having Surgery Brochure

Before Surgery
A member of our staff will personally speak with you to review what to expect prior to your surgery. The following instructions will help you be prepared for your procedure:

• Please let us know before your surgery is scheduled if you take any prescribed medications or have anything significant in your health history.
• Please let us know if you "catch a cold" or become ill during the 2 days prior to surgery.
• Do not eat or drink anything after midnight the day of surgery.
• Wear loose, comfortable clothing.
• Do not bring valuables or jewelry.
• The average length of stay from your arrival until you are ready to leave is 3 to 4 hours.
• Make arrangements for someone to drive you home and stay with you at least 6 hours.

Going Home
Our nurses want to make your transition from CMISC to home as easy as possible. Our nurses will take the utmost care in instructing you on what to expect.

• Occasionally patients feel slightly light-headed after surgery.
• A Band-aid is applied after surgery.
• We will arrange for your prescriptions prior to discharge so you will be prepared when you leave.
• Plan to wait at least 24 hours after you arrive home before you attempt to drive, operate machinery, drink alcohol, or take medication not known by your surgeon.
• Your nurse will call 24 hours and 72 hours after surgery to check how you are doing.
• If you have any problems or concerns and are unable to reach Dr. Chiu, CMISC has a doctor on call 24 hours a day.

Financial Matters
We believe you will find that our fees are reasonable when compared to inpatient alternatives. We respect the individual needs of our patients and treat them with compassion and understanding.

• We accept private insurance, workers compensation insurance, and lien cases.
• Credit cards are accepted with a 2% fee.
• Payment plans can be arranged.
• Ask us about a discount for full cash payment prior to surgery.

About CMISC
The California Minimally Invasive Surgery Center was founded to provide a more personal and cost effective alternative for outpatient surgery and pain management procedures. The CMISC facility was built to the highest standards and is a licensed facility. We are accredited by both JCAHO and AAAHC, which demonstrates that the quality of our facility is among the highest in the industry. Our staff is committed to giving superior care in a pleasant and personalized environment.

CMISC staff members have extensive experience in neurosurgery, orthopedic surgery, and spinal surgery with an extensive background in minimally invasive spinal procedures. We have performed numerous microdecompressive spinal discectomies as well as comprehensive advanced pain management procedures.

Questions
We are pleased to answer any questions you may have. Please do not hesitate to call us at 805-375-7900.

Patient Instructions

You are scheduled for a procedure.

On the day of your procedure please arrive at the California Minimally Invasive Surgery Center 1 hour before your procedure is scheduled to begin.

Important Reminders
Do not eat or drink after midnight if your procedure is scheduled before 12 noon. If your procedure is scheduled after 12 noon, a light breakfast can be eaten before 6:00 am (juice, coffee/tea, and toast). You should take your medications for blood pressure, heart disease, asthma, or emphysema. Take them with a small sip of water. If you are diabetic, do not take your diabetic medications. If you take insulin, contact the anesthesiologist for special instructions. Please also remember to:

• Avoid Aspirin for 1 week
• Avoid anti-inflammatory drugs for 3 days
• Avoid herbal drugs and weight reduction drugs for at least one week (and notify your doctor)
• Leave your valuables and all jewelry at home

You must make arrangements to have a responsible adult drive you home the day of surgery. Please have a telephone number for us to contact this person on the day of your procedure. If you have any problems or questions, call the California Minimally Invasive Surgery Center or your physician.

Patient Information:

Name: __________________________________

Surgery Date: _____________________________

Surgery Time: ____________ (arrive 1 hour before)

Arrival Time: _____________________________

Surgeon: _________________________________

Our Personal Attention
We know how intimidating the prospect of surgery can be. At CMISC our goal is to make your surgery a positive experience. It is important to us that you and your family feel comfortable and at ease. Our small setting allows our caring and professional staff to be more attentive to your personal needs. We respect your privacy and will try to alleviate any fears you might have by walking you through every step of the procedure before your surgery. We believe when the patient knows what to expect, he or she will feel less apprehensive. We believe it is important to take the time to keep you well informed.

"The PCD surgery I received from Dr. Chiu was nearly painless and traumaless. And I was up and functioning immediately after surgery. Unbelievable relief of neck and head pain!"
M.P. in Munich, Germany
(Professional Soccer Player)

"I was so impressed with the results of the minimally invasive procedure that I just had to return to Dr. Chiu's office two hours later to tell them how well I felt."
J.D. in Los Angeles, CA
(Los Angeles Commissioner)

"I felt I was in capable hands and was completely at ease. The atmosphere was relaxed and I was carefully instructed on how to take care of myself once I got home."
L.F. in New York City, NY
(Registered Nurse)