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What Should I Bring to the Hospital?

Below is a checklist of things to bring for an average 24- to 48-hour stay at HSS. Use this as a guideline. Since the length of stay may vary by patient and surgical procedure, contact your surgeon's office for any specific instructions. Such additional instructions may include your presurgery diet (eating before surgery, water before surgery, etc.).

What to Bring to the Hospital for Inpatient Surgery at HSS

If you use any of the following, please also bring:

  • A legal photo identification (such as a driver’s license, passport, birth certificate, social security card, green card/permanent resident card or military ID)
  • Your health insurance card
  • X-rays or laboratory reports (if you are instructed to do so by your doctor's staff)
  • Your completed Health Care Proxy form
  • A list of your current medications with dosages
  • Other paperwork, including consent forms and medical information sent to you by your surgeon
  • A full printed copy of any presurgical manual or education materials
  • Flat, slip-resistant, supportive athletic shoes or walking shoes
  • Personal toiletries
  • One credit card to rent amenities such as television access or telephones, or to purchase necessary medical equipment
  • A book, magazine, or hobby item to occupy your time while recovering
  • Your eyeglasses (NOT contact lenses)
  • Your dentures (HSS will provide a container for these, and you must use it)
  • Your sleep apnea machine settings, tubing and face mask only. (Do NOT bring your CPAP machine.)
  • Your cane, to be evaluated by your physical therapist
  • Other assistive walking devices, such as a walker. (Following surgery, you may require an assistive device for walking. You may either bring your own, if your physician says it will be appropriate after surgery, or purchase one through the Rehabilitation Department.)

Please Do Not Bring

  • Your CPAP machine (see above for CPAP information)
  • Your contact lenses (bring eyeglasses instead)
  • Cash, jewelry or other valuables (except for any mentioned above)
  • Any medications, unless instructed by your medical doctor or HSS pharmacy representative in the event that HSS cannot provide a specific brand of medication you need. An HSS pharmacy representative will contact you prior to surgery. If you have any questions or need to make special arrangements, please do not hesitate to contact the pharmacy department at 212.606.1371 or 212.606.1372.

 

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