Procedures and Surgeries

What to Expect at My Surgery or Procedure

Will I receive any information prior to arrival so I know where I am going?

Yes, the person who schedules your appointment will provide the details needed to prepare for your arrival, including where to park and enter the facility.

Do I wear a mask and gloves prior to arrival?

You should wear a face covering to your appointment. If you do not have a mask or face-covering, you will be provided with one upon entry. We ask that you do not wear gloves. Sanitizer gel or foam will be available for hand hygiene.

How are the facilities and equipment cleaned?

Rigorous cleaning, sanitizing and disinfecting is happening at all Hackensack Meridian facilities. We engaged nationally recognized, third-party organizations to verify these significant efforts, including the testing of air, water and surfaces to make sure they’re safe for our patients and team members. In clinical areas, all high-touch areas (tables, doorknobs, light switches, countertops, handles, desks, phones, keyboards, toilets, faucets, sinks, etc.) are cleaned, sanitized and disinfected daily.

Will I receive a COVID-19 test?

In some scenarios, you may be tested for COVID-19 prior to your surgery or procedure. Please view the chart below for details.

	YES	NO
I am fully vaccinated & symptom free*	Yes, only if admitted to the hospital	✔
I am fully vaccinated but have COVID symptoms	✔
I have not yet been vaccinated	✔	No, only if you tested positive for COVID within the past 90 days but no longer have symptoms
I tested positive for COVID within the past 90 days but no longer have symptoms		✔
I am being admitted to the hospital	✔	No, only if you tested positive for COVID within the past 90 days but no longer have symptoms
*Proof of vaccination is required

What if I prefer not to be tested?

If you prefer not to be tested, you will need to discuss options with your physician.

What if my viral test comes back positive?

If your COVID-19 test comes back positive and the decision is made to postpone your procedure, you will be asked to self-isolate for 10 days. Your physician will discuss with you rescheduling your planned surgery or procedure.

If your COVID-19 test comes back positive and the decision is made to continue with your procedure as scheduled, you and your care team will discuss any specific protocols to prevent the spread of the virus.

Should I be monitoring my temperature at home?

Yes, you should self-monitor your temperature at home if possible. If you have a temperature of 100°F or greater, you should call your doctor to determine if your procedure should be rescheduled.

Visitor Information

Getting Updates to Care Partners

How will my partner in care or family be updated on the status of my procedure?

To reduce the number of people in waiting areas, all partners in care and family members will be contacted via phone by the surgeon or primary nurse with any updates.

Safety Protocols

How will I be protected from COVID-19?

Hackensack Meridian Health is taking several precautions to keep patients safe from COVID-19, including separating COVID-19 patients from non-COVID-19 patients, increasing masking, screening and testing, implementing vigorous cleaning measures, restricting visitation and practicing social distancing wherever possible.

What’s the screening process for COVID-19?

All team members, physicians, patients and their partners in care will be screened for a fever upon arrival to the facility. If someone presents with a fever of 100°F or greater, they will be asked to leave the facility except for patients arriving for medically necessary and time-sensitive procedures.

Will I be in a private room?

When possible, patients will be provided a private room; however, private rooms cannot be guaranteed. If you test negative for COVID-19, you may be placed in a semi-private room with another patient who tested negative for COVID-19. If you test positive for COVID-19, you may be placed in a semi-private room with another patient who tested positive for COVID-19.

Will there be patients with COVID-19 on the unit I am admitted to?

As part of our commitment to patient safety, Hackensack Meridian Health is creating specific spaces within the hospital for people who test negative for COVID-19.

Discharge Information

Will I receive discharge instructions?

Yes, your care team will provide written instructions for discharge upon leaving the hospital. If necessary, your partner in care or family member will also be provided instructions during the follow up call. Discharge instructions also are available in MyChart.

Will I be expected to return to the hospital for follow up?

This should be discussed with your physician depending on the type of procedure and follow-up care needs. Arrangements may be made to conduct follow up appointments via telemedicine or at outpatient facilities.

Will I have a visiting nurse?

Hackensack Meridian continues to provide at-home care when needed. Team members are taking special precaution to prevent the spread of COVID-19 in someone’s home including regular testing, masking and other infection prevention protocols.

Will I keep in touch with my surgeon through telemedicine?

If your preference is to follow up with your physician via telemedicine, discuss these options with your care team before leaving the facility. Instructions will be provided if your care team agrees that telemedicine is a feasible option for follow up care.