Preparing for Your ENT Surgery
Sometimes, surgery is an option to correct an issue with your ears, nose or throat. At PCI, you can expect world-class treatment, expert care and exceptional outcomes from one of Iowa's most experienced surgical teams.
There are a few steps you will need to take in order to prepare for your upcoming surgery:
Insurance: A PCI Prior Authorization Specialist will verify prior authorization with your health insurance before your surgery is scheduled. This process takes 1-15 days, on average.
Scheduling: An ENT Surgery Scheduler will contact you to schedule your surgery once prior authorization is obtained.
Surgical Cost: A PCI Financial Counselor may contact you to review your insurance benefits and possible pre-surgical pre-payment, if applicable. If a cost estimate is preferred prior to scheduling surgery, contact your ENT Surgery Scheduler.
Pre-surgical Clearance: Your primary care physician will evaluate your health to ensure that you can undergo surgery. This evaluation, called a history and physical, is needed within 30 days of surgery. Pre-operative labs, EKG or specialty clearance may be required as part of this process. Examples include Cardiology, Pulmonology, Nephrology etc.
COVID-19: Pre-surgical COVID-19 PCR molecular nasal swab test may be required prior to surgery (this is determined by the surgical facility). If required, patient must follow facility quarantine guidelines after testing.
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Click here for quarantine guidelines after your COVID test>>
Click here for more information on positive COVID test/exposure guidelines >>
Pre-surgical Instructions: Patient/guardian will receive a surgical packet via mail and a pre-operative call from the surgical facility nurse. This nurse will review pre-surgical instructions, answer any pre-surgical questions, review patient’s medical history and give medication instructions for surgery. Blood thinner instructions will be given by the ENT Surgery Scheduler.
Day of Surgery: Patient must have a driver the day of surgery if systemic anesthesia is being used, for example, general anesthesia or IV sedation. Patient also must follow dietary instructions given by the facility nurse. A driver is not required for LOCAL anesthesia cases and no dietary restrictions apply.