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Surgery and Procedure FAQs

Whether your upcoming procedure requires you to stay overnight or not, there are some important things you need know prior to your visit:

COVID Testing

Our pre-procedure COVID-19 testing requirements are changing for adults and children. If you don’t have symptoms, you no longer need a COVID-19 test before receiving treatment. Beginning Monday, May 1, 2023:

  • Asymptomatic patients do not need a COVID test prior to admission.
  • Symptomatic patients and those who report living with a person with an active COVID-19 infection will continue to be tested for COVID-19 before a procedure or surgery.
  • All behavioral health patients are still required to be tested for COVID-19 before admission.

This change is being made with careful consideration of the decreasing level of COVID-19 in the community, an increasing level of immunity across the population and the availability of effective treatment.

Preparing for My Surgery/Procedure

My surgeon told me to “socially isolate” for at least seven days before my surgery/procedure. What does this mean?

Follow CDC guidelines:

  • Stay at least six feet away from others
  • Wash your hands frequently and wear a mask at all times in public places
  • Avoid contact with others outside of your immediate household members and avoid leaving your home as much as possible

You must still arrive for your scheduled COVID screening test if indicated.

What symptoms should I tell my physician about before I arrive on the day of my surgery/procedure?

Notify your physician if you have a fever that is greater than 100.5, new respiratory symptoms (such as congestion, cough, or shortness of breath), sore throat, and/or the loss of smell or taste.

Scheduling

How will I know what time to arrive on the day of my surgery/procedure?

You will receive a message the afternoon prior to your scheduled surgery/procedure with details of your arrival time and parking instructions. Follow all pre-surgical/procedural instructions provided by your physician and/or preadmission testing provider.

What to Expect on the Day of My Surgery/Procedure

What can I bring with me when arriving for my surgery/procedure? Is there a safe place to store my belongings?

Please bring a form of ID. You may bring a cell phone, cell phone charger, glasses, contacts, hearing aids, dentures, toiletries and clothing as needed. We encourage you to leave any valuables at home and only bring what is necessary. The perioperative nursing team will safely store your belongings in a sealable plastic bag labeled with your name and place it in a locked closet during your procedure. The perioperative nursing team will retrieve your belongings once you are in the recovery room and bring the bag to your bedside.

Patient Safety Measures

What is Yale New Haven Health System doing to keep me safe during my surgery/procedure and/or hospital stay?

We have put a number of safety measures in place to keep you safe:

  • Frequent cleaning and disinfection in hospital rooms and public areas
  • Our premises and all instruments are prepared for use following rigorous protocols
  • Patients who have tested positive for COVID-19 are cared for in designated areas, separate from patients without COVID-19
  • Minimizing lines during your check-in process
  • We encourage physical distancing wherever feasible throughout our facility
  • Screening processes and masking policies are in place throughout our facility for all patients, visitors and staff
  • We require our staff to participate in our COVID and influenza vaccination campaigns
     

Visitor Guidelines

Visitor guidelines are updated regularly for the safety of our patients and staff. Please reach out to your physician’s office directly for the most up-to-date visitor guidelines.

Visitors are limited at this time. The visitation guidelines will be amended when appropriate.

View our latest visitor guidelines

Recovery After Your Surgery/Procedure

After my surgery/procedure, is it necessary for me to isolate/quarantine?

Your surgeon will discuss the risks and benefits of surgery including if there is an increased risk of contracting COVID19. A period of isolation may or may not be necessary. Your surgeon will discuss any precautionary steps you must take for your protection to reduce the risk of surgical complications.

Patients and Visitors

Preparing for Your Visit