Patients
Harbor Anesthesia Values
When I was in residency at the University of Michigan Hospitals, one of the standards by which we would make medical decisions in the Department of Anesthesia was by answering the simple question, “If this patient was your mom/nephew/etc., what would you do?” This framed the medical question in a personal and meaningful way, helping to integrate complex medical variables with the human side of the practice of medicine.
One example of the way in which this idea is applied at Harbor Anesthesia is in the evaluation of whether a patient is a good candidate for anesthesia in an office, away from the capability of a hospital. After considering medical issues and the current standards of care, I usually consider the question, “would I want my mom to undergo this procedure in an office?”
This framework exemplifies one of our core values at Harbor Anesthesia – Vigilance in Patient Safety. We consider patient safety the number one priority in our clinical practice.
Our second core value is a close relative of the first – Excellence in Anesthesia. This means that we hold excellence to be the standard that we expect of ourselves in every patient and provider interaction, including our clinical care of you while you’re undergoing the procedure. Excellence means that we are familiar with the latest medical data in anesthesia. We’re competent in the procedures we do. Excellence means we’re principled, friendly, and reliable. We take seriously the responsibility entrusted to us to
care for you.
Vigilance and Excellence
— our promise to you
PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS
Before Surgery
- Do not eat or drink anything for 8 hours before your surgery. You may drink water up to 2 hours before the procedure. This will prevent delay or cancellation of the procedure.
- Do not drive or operate machinery after surgery. Arrange transportation with a responsible adult to bring you to and from the office.
- Please wear loose-fitting, comfortable clothing, such as a t-shirt with short sleeves.You may wear a jacket over your shirt.
- Do not wear heavy makeup, lipstick, jewelry, or contact lenses the day of surgery.
- Please remove nail polish from at least both index fingers (pointer fingers).
- An adult must accompany patients under the age of 18 years old to our office.
- Please take all routine medication(s) with a sip of water (unless instructed otherwise).
- If you would like to speak to your doctor before your procedure, please feel free to 210-608-6991. If there is no answer, please send a text and your call will be returned.
PATIENT INSTRUCTIONS
After Surgery
- You will feel drowsy after sedation.During this time you should not: Drive a car, operate machinery or power tools; drink alcoholic beverages; sign any legal documents.
- A responsible adult should be with you for the rest of the day and night for your assistance.
- After anesthesia, start with a light diet such as liquids (soft drinks, tea, jello or broth), then soup and crackers and gradually work up to solid foods. Drink plenty of water.
- If you are unable to urinate within twelve (12) hours of your surgery, please contact your physician.
- You may have a mild fever after your procedure.However, if your temperature is 101 degrees Fahrenheit (38.3 degrees Centigrade) or higher, call your physician.
- You may have a mild sore throat after surgery.
