FAQ
What is the process for scheduling surgery?
Our surgeons operate at many surgical facilities and Hospitals throughout San Diego. There are many factors to consider when scheduling your surgery. Once our scheduler has verified insurance benefits and verified your medical history she or he will contact you to go over dates and location.
Non-urgent/elective cases: Typically we try to get all surgeries scheduled within 1-2 weeks from the date of the appointment. However insurance, medical history and availability play a major role with this process. Our scheduler will contact you with 48 hours from the date of your appointment to initiate the process. Surgery will be scheduled once all required information is received.
Urgent cases: If your surgeon has stated that your surgery must be done within a certain timeframe our staff will begin working on your case immediately. Please ensure that our staff has your correct contact information and expect to hear from us within 24hours from the date of your appointment.
How long is the recovery time?
Each case is different. Typically recovery for minor cases is 3-4 weeks whereas the larger cases can vary from 1-6 months depending on the case. Your surgeon will give you a more definitive answer to this question during your office visit.
Will I receive written instructions?
We’ve got you covered. You will be provided with a surgical folder that will contain any/all surgical details needed pertaining to your case.
Should I get my medication filled prior to surgery?
Our staff will send the medication directly to your pharmacy. Please ensure that our staff has the correct pharmacy details on file. We strongly recommend that you pick up your prescription before your procedure so that you have it waiting for you when you get home after surgery.
Will I stay overnight or be discharge the same day of surgery?
Each case is different. Generally the goal is to have patients go home the same day. However, for larger or more extensive cases, you may need to stay with overnight at a surgical facility or 1-2 days in a hospital setting. Remember medical history, procedure and in some cases insurance play a major role in this decision.
Do I need a ride home from Surgery?
Yes. You will need a ride home from a family member or friend after your procedure. It is recommended that you have someone stay with you for at least 24 hours to ensure your safety.
Do I need a Covid test if I am fully vaccinated?
As we know the covid restrictions change frequently depending on the amount of covid cases in the county. As of today, every surgical facility requires a negative covid test with 3-5 days prior to your procedure regardless of vaccination status. Each facility has their own protocol and may perform their own testing. The surgical facility will contact you with instructions.
New Patients:
I need to schedule an appointment but don’t know who to schedule with?
Don’t worry. Our staff is here to help. Contact the office for assistance. We will ask you questions and determine which location and provider can treat your condition.
I don’t know if you take my insurance?
We are contracted with Medicare, Tricare, PPO and EPO plans as well as some HMO and Medi-Cal plans. Upon scheduling provide the name of your insurance and subscriber ID and we will check benefits for you.
Do I have to pay upfront for services?
All copays are due at the time of service. Our friendly staff will verify benefits and will be able to provide you with the cost (if any) before the appointment. If you have a deductible you may have to pay for services upfront. Our staff will explain any/all payment information before the scheduled appointment.
How soon can I get an appointment?
We can generally fit most new patient appointments on the schedule the same week or the following week depending on the condition. Contact our office and we can assist.
General:
What is the process for scheduling surgery?
Our surgeons operate at many surgical facilities and Hospitals throughout San Diego. There are many factors to consider when scheduling your surgery. Once our scheduler has verified insurance benefits and verified your medical history she or he will contact you to go over dates and location.
Non-urgent/elective cases: Typically we try to get all surgeries scheduled within 1-2 weeks from the date of the appointment. However insurance, medical history and availability play a major role with this process. Our scheduler will contact you within 48 hours from the date of your appointment to initiate the process. Surgery will be scheduled once all required information is received.
Urgent cases: If your surgeon has stated that your surgery must be done within a certain timeframe our staff will begin working on your case immediately. Please ensure that our staff has your correct contact information and expect to hear from us within 24 hours from the date of your appointment.
How long is the recovery time?
Each case is different. Typically recovery for minor cases is 3-4 weeks whereas the larger cases can vary from 1-6 months depending on the case. Your surgeon will give you a more definitive answer to this question during your office visit.
Will I receive written instructions?
We’ve got you covered. You will be provided with a surgical folder that will contain any/all surgical details needed pertaining to your case.
Should I get my medication filled prior to surgery?
Our staff will send the medication directly to your pharmacy. Please ensure that our staff has the correct pharmacy details on file. We strongly recommend that you pick up your prescription before your procedure so that you have it waiting for you when you get home after surgery.
Will I stay overnight or be discharge the same day of surgery?
Each case is different. Generally the goal is to have patients go home the same day. However, for larger or more extensive cases, you may need to stay with overnight at a surgical facility or 1-2 days in a hospital setting. Remember medical history, procedure and in some cases insurance play a major role in this decision.
Do I need a ride home from Surgery?
Yes. You will need a ride home from a family member or friend after your procedure. It is recommended that you have someone stay with you for at least 24 hours to ensure your safety.
Do I need a Covid test if I am fully vaccinated?
As we know the covid restrictions change frequently depending on the amount of covid cases in the county. As of today, every surgical facility requires a negative covid test with 3-5 days prior to your procedure regardless of vaccination status. Each facility has their own protocol and may perform their own testing. The surgical facility will contact you with instructions.
