Frequently Asked Questions
During a minimally-invasive procedure, a surgeon makes 3-4 small incisions that often measure less than an inch. A small camera (laparoscope) is then placed through one of the incisions. The images from the camera are projected onto monitors in the operating room so surgeons can get a clear and magnified view of the surgical area. Additional incisions are used for specialized surgical tools that help perform the procedure.
This all depends on what type of surgery was done. If you had a hernia repair, recovery can typically take 1-2 two weeks. Otherwise, most inpatient surgeries may take longer to recover (up to 4 weeks).
After a Nissen Fundoplication, you will be asked to be on a liquid diet for 1-2 weeks. As your esophagus is inflamed and swollen it is harder for things to pass through. Taking small sips of fluids will prevent regurgitation or chest pain that may happen due to fluid back up. At your 2-week follow up visit, your surgeon will discuss with you and decided if you are ready to progress to a soft foods diet. Once you feel confident and comfortable with soft foods, progress to more solid foods slowly (such as chicken vs. hard bread).
We ask you hold off on major heavy lifting (no greater than 20 pounds) or activity for 1-2 weeks. Once you have been seen for your 2 week follow up and cleared by your surgeon, do what is comfortable. Our rule of thumb, “if it hurts, don’t do it.”
After laparoscopic surgery you are asked to hold off from showers for 48-72 hours. No baths, soaking or swimming for at least 4 weeks post operatively. This is to prevent post operative surgical site infections.
You will not be able to drive home after surgery. We ask you plan accordingly to have a responsible adult transfer you to and from the hospital.
To find out if your pre-operative instructions require a bowel prep, please ask your physician or medical assistant. Some procedures do not require one; however, most colon procedures will require a full or light bowel prep.
Some insurance plans require a referral to see a specialist, as it will be your responsibility to inquire with your insurance and Primary Care Provider if a referral is needed. We will do our best to let you know ahead of time if we think you will need a referral.
Oregon Advanced Surgery contracts with most insurance companies as a group. All of our providers are contracted the same. Please contact your insurance company to verify your coverage.
Your deductible is the amount you pay for health care services before your health insurance begins to pay. Coinsurance is your share of the costs of a health care service. It’s usually figured as a percentage of the amount insurances allow to be charged for services. You will start paying coinsurance after you have met your plan’s deductible.
Your copay is a fixed amount you pay for a health care service, usually when you receive the service. Oregon Advanced Surgery is a specialty clinic; therefore, the amount can differ from what is charged at your primary care office. The amount can also vary by the type of service.
To obtain a copy of your medical records you will need to sign a Medical Records Release Form. Please contact our office to have one sent to you and we can get that request processed.
For completion of FMLA forms please give them to your physician’s medical assistant. Inform them of the first day you took off work and any additional comments you would like to include for your employer. If you need a return to work note, please let your physician or medical assistant know prior to check out.
For non-narcotic prescription refills, please call your pharmacy and they will send us your refill request. Refill requests should be made during regular office hours or preferably two days in advance before your medication is finished to ensure accurate and timely refills.
For refills on narcotics, you can also call your pharmacy and request a refill or call our office directly during business hours. Please call two days in advance before your medication is finished to ensure accurate and timely refills. Most pharmacies require a physical written prescription from your physician for Schedule 2 Narcotic, which will require you to pick up at our office during business hours. Please plan accordingly.
If you have established care with our practice and require urgent medical attention that cannot wait until the following day, call our office and our professional answering service will page the on-call doctor for you. If you believe you have a medical emergency go the the emergency room or call 911.
Oregon Advanced Surgery is a private practice not affiliated with the major hospital systems in Portland, OR. Although, most of your demographic information can be obtained through the hospital systems, we still do ask you to sign our own consents and disclosures for our records.
