Before Your Stay at UPMC Shadyside

Helping You Prepare for Your Hospital Stay or Same-Day Surgery

On this page you will find information about the following:

• Preadmission process
• Before surgery
• The day of surgery

Preadmission Process

Your preadmission appointment may take up to 2 hours.

During your visit, our team will gather your medical history and do any necessary tests. We'll also answer any questions you may have to ensure a safe and successful stay at UPMC Shadyside.

Preadmission Testing Center Location and Hours

Location:

Shadyside Medical Building — West Wing Testing Center
5200 Centre Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15232

Phone: 412-623-6154

Hours:

• Monday–Friday: 8 a.m. to 6 p.m.
• Saturday: closed
• Sunday: closed

We will validate your parking for a discounted rate during your visit.

What to bring to your preadmission visit

• Your medical and surgical history
• A list of all prescription and over-the-counter medicines
• A list of all allergies
• The names and telephone numbers of your current primary care provider and other medical specialists involved in your health care

What to expect during preadmission testing

During your visit, a physician assistant (PA) and lab technician will:

• Examine you
• Ask you questions about your health
• Complete any tests your surgeon requires

Tests will vary based on your health and type of surgery, but may include:

• Vital signs
• Blood or urine tests
• EKGs
• Chest x-rays

The PA will review your medical records and discuss any recommendations for further testing, if needed.

You will also meet with a registered nurse (RN) for a nursing assessment and surgical instructions.

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Before Surgery at UPMC Shadyside

A nurse will call you 24 to 72 hours before surgery.

Please have your list of medicines and medical history ready to discuss with the nurse, and allow 20 minutes for the phone call.

The nurse will provide you with:

• Dietary instructions
• What medicines to take the day of surgery
• Any other information you need before your surgery

Do not drink any alcoholic beverages the night before your surgery.

Advance directives

If you have not already done so, you may want to consider drafting an advance directive before your surgery or admission to the hospital.

An advance directive is a written document that expresses your wishes for medical care if you become incompetent or incapacitated.

These include:

• Living wills
• Health care agents
• Powers of attorney

Learn more about advance directives in UPMC's general patient resources section.

Patient Education

There are many resources available to help you learn more about your health care.

• Learn more about patient education at UPMC Shadyside.

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Day of Surgery

Please review the following guidelines for your day of surgery at UPMC Shadyside:

• If your doctor or nurse instructed you to take a medicine, do so with a small sip of water.
• Shower or bathe with Hibiclens® or an antibacterial soap.
• Do not apply hair spray, scented body lotion, or perfume.
• Wear loose comfortable clothing; button-down shirts are best.
• Remove all body piercings.
• Do not wear nail polish or makeup.
• Avoid chewing gum or candy the day of surgery.
• Leave all valuables and jewelry — including watches, wedding rings, necklaces, and earrings — at home.
• If you have sleep apnea, bring your CPAP machine with you.
• If you wear dentures or a hearing aid, bring storage cases for them.

Please arrange for a responsible adult over the age of 18 to accompany you, drive you home, and help you at home for the first 24 hours after surgery.

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