Preparing for Appointments
Interventional Radiology is a branch of medicine
that uses x-ray guidance to diagnose and treat
diseases in a minimally invasive fashion through
a very small nick in the skin. In order for your
procedure to go smoothly, and to avoid delay or
postponement of your procedure, we ask that you
carefully review the requirements for your procedure
listed below.
Because of the nature of Interventional Radiology
procedures we cannot always predict with certainty
exactly what time your procedure will occur. In
general, you will be assigned either to a morning
or afternoon slot, but you should arrive at the
hospital prepared to spend the whole day if necessary.
You may wish to bring something to read or otherwise
occupy your waiting time if necessary.
Preparing for your visit to Interventional
Radiology:
- Do not eat or drink anything after midnight
the day prior to your procedure. This is so
that we can give you sedation medicine as needed.
You should take your regular medications and
may take small sips of water to wash them down.
If you do not follow these instructions, your
procedure may need to be cancelled or postponed.
- Please make arrangements to have someone drive
you home after your procedure. This is so that
we can give you sedation medicine to make your
procedure more comfortable. If you do not have
a driver, your procedure may need to be cancelled
or postponed.
- If you have an allergy to radiographic contrast
(“x-ray dye”) please call Interventional
Radiology (215-662-4034) to make arrangements
for special medication to take before the procedure.
In general, allergy to radiographic contrast
will not postpone or delay your procedure if
appropriate arrangements are made ahead of time.
- If you are taking blood thinners (Coumadin,
Lovenox, etc.) please call Interventional Radiology
(215-662-4034) to discuss temporary discontinuation
of these agents. Failure to do so will cause
your procedure to be delayed or postponed.
- If you have had any blood work done within
one month of your planned procedure, please
make arrangements to have the results forwarded
to Interventional Radiology (fax number 215-662-7110).
Having this information prior to your procedure
is essential and can help expedite the process.
- If your insurance company requires pre-certification
for your procedure, it must be obtained before
the day of the procedure or it will be postponed.
Your doctor’s office can help you in obtaining
this pre-certification if necessary.
- If you have any questions, please feel free
to call Interventional Radiology at 215-662-4034
and ask to speak with one of the nurses or physicians.
In addition, an Interventional Radiology nurse
will be calling you the day before your procedure
to discuss it with you. If your phone has been
disconnected, your number recently changed or
you will not be available the day before the
procedure, please call us to make arrangements
for this telephone conversation.
Your cooperation with the above guidelines will
be greatly appreciated and will help toward our
goal of making your procedure go smoothly and
on time. We look forward to your visit to the
Division of Interventional Radiology.
|
