What to Expect When You Arrive
Arriving at Frederick Health Hospital
Patients should arrive the morning of their procedure at the hospital two to four hours before the scheduled time (or as directed by your physician). This ensures that there is adequate time to prepare you for a safe experience.
A complimentary parking valet service is available for your convenience.
Admission
Please go to the Green entrance and check in at the registration desk. Upon arrival, a registrar will review your insurance documents, collect copay, obtain necessary signatures, and copy your ID and insurance cards. When your patient file is complete, you will be escorted to the Cardiac Catheterization Lab. There you will be greeted by an Frederick Health staff member or a Frederick Health auxiliary volunteer. He or she will check you in and you will be escorted back to meet the staff. A Cardiac Catheterization Lab staff member or volunteer will explain the computerized patient tracking system to the person who has accompanied you and provide him or her with your confidential ID number. He or she will be able to follow your progress on the large computer screen in the waiting area as you prepare for the procedure, move to the Cardiac Catheterization Lab, transition to the recovery area, and transfer to your room.
Pre-Procedure Area
Once you are settled in, your nurse will verify some basic information for your safety, perform a physical assessment, complete required documents, carry out any tasks ordered by your physician and start an IV. You will be visited by your physician and your procedure nurse. They will answer any further questions you might have and will take very good care of you throughout your procedure. Your family member or friend may stay with you until it’s time for your procedure and then will be directed to the waiting area. Although our goal is to begin all of our procedures on time, sometimes they must be delayed due to unforeseen circumstances or other emergencies. If this happens, your nurse will keep you updated as to the status of the delay.
Procedure Site Preparation
Do not shave the surgical site. Someone will clip your hair the day of the procedure in the pre-procedure area.
Antibiotic Treatment
The need for antibiotics will be determined by your physician depending on the type of procedure.
Sedation
On the day of the procedure, we will discuss your sedation options. The type of sedation you receive will depend on the type of procedure you are having or any health conditions you have. You need to arrange for a responsible adult to take you to and from the hospital, since you may be somewhat disoriented from the sedation. We suggest that you have a responsible person stay with you the first night following your procedure. Adult patients with children should consider making child care arrangements for children for 24 hours following procedure. You could feel drowsy.
Medications
During your hospital stay, you may be asked to confirm the medications you are currently taking. This is meant to keep you safe and should occur during admission, transfers within the hospital, and when you are released.
Some of your medications may be changed during your hospital stay, and others may be added or eliminated. Be sure to ask your physician to explain these changes to you, and don’t be afraid to ask any questions you may have about a new medication.
Each time a physician or nurse reviews your medications with you is an opportunity to ask questions.
