IBI Healthcare FAQs
Find answers to common IBI Healthcare FAQs about surgical procedures. Including what to expect before, during, and after surgery.
How Do I Receive Refills for My Medications?
You will need to schedule an appointment with your doctor to receive your refill medication. We cannot fill refill medications over the phone.
What are Some of the Usual Tests Before Surgery?
A complete blood count (CBC), urinalysis, and a chemistry panel. Give a readout of about 20 blood chemistry values. Most people, except the very young, get a chest X-ray and an electrocardiogram. We may do a gallbladder ultrasound to look for gallstones. Other tests which we frequently order, when indicated, include pulmonary function testing, echocardiogram, sleep studies, GI evaluation, or cardiology evaluation.
Why Would I Need to Have a Sleep Study?
Not all patients need a sleep study. But we will screen you to ascertain whether you are at high risk for sleep apnea. The sleep study detects a tendency for abnormal cessation of breathing. Usually, associated with airway obstruction when the muscles relax during sleep. This condition can cause problems and even death.
After surgery, medical staff will sedate you and administer narcotics for pain relief. But also depress the normal breathing drive and reflexes. At that time, airway obstruction becomes even more dangerous. Then we need to have a clear picture of what to expect and how to handle it. Eventually, undiagnosed and untreated sleep apnea can lead to serious complications in the recovery room.
Why Would I Need to Have a Psychological Evaluation?
Evaluation is a requirement of many insurance plans. But even when you don’t require it. Typically, we ask the psychotherapist to evaluate our patients for awareness of the life changes they will face. Subsequently, their ability to follow the basic recovery plan. Moreover, it gives you an understanding of your strengths and weaknesses. Consequently, how to apply them long-term to a successful weight loss surgery experience. Lastly, very few people are disqualified by the psychological evaluation.
How Do I Receive Relief of My Pain Medications?
You will need to schedule a follow-up appointment with your doctor to receive your medication. Besides this, we cannot fill out pain medications over the phone.
IBI Healthcare FAQs - Pre Operative
Will the Facility Contact Me Before My Surgery?
Certainly, you may receive up to three calls. A member of the healthcare team will contact you a few days before surgery. This call will include a routine health assessment and instructions for the day of surgery. Providing you with the answers to any questions you may have. Someone in the facility’s business office may also contact you. Further to address financial matters such as your responsibility for co-payments and deductibles. Finally, your anesthesiologist may also contact you.
What Tests Do I Need Before My Surgery?
Your physician or anesthesiologist will determine any pre-operative tests. Surely communicated to you before the date of your surgery.
What Should I Bring?
- Please bring photo identification and your insurance card(s). Our staff will need to verify and make copies when you check in on the day of your surgery.
- Be sure to bring any medications that you may need during your stay at the facility. For instance, an inhaler or insulin.
- Please bring a list of all the drugs you are currently taking.
- Please bring payment of any patient responsibility (e.g. co-payment or deductible).
- Please do not bring rings, watches, or other valuables.
Should I Arrange a Ride to the Facility?
After surgery, you cannot drive. Please arrange for an adult to drive you home and for someone to be with you when you arrive.
What May I Eat and Drink Before Surgery?
Your physician or a pre-operative nurse will inform you of eating and drinking restrictions before surgery. You must follow the provided instructions. If you don’t complete it, we may need to delay or cancel your surgery.
IBI Healthcare FAQs -During Operative
Should I Take My Routine Medications on the Day of Surgery?
Your physician or a staff member will give you instructions regarding medications. Also, as noted above, please prepare to list all medications. Including the name and dose you are taking. Additionally, bring any medications with you that you may need during your stay (e.g., inhaler or insulin).
How Can I Ensure the Right Surgery on the Correct Site?
Firstly, your safety is our primary concern. Secondly, your entire healthcare team will follow rigorous guidelines regarding site identification and procedure confirmation. Thirdly, the National Patient Safety Goals developed which require your involvement too. We will ask you numerous times to confirm. Additionally, both the procedure you are having and the surgical site. Finally, you should take a very active role in all discussions with your physician, your anesthesia provider, and our staff. Regarding the identification of your procedure and the correct surgical site. Lastly, in most cases, your surgeon will mark the site before your procedure.
What Can I Do to Help Prevent a Surgical Site Infection?
Take a shower the night before and the morning of surgery. Follow these simple steps:
- Wash your hair first with any shampoo.
- Wash all of your body using a liquid antibacterial soap and a clean washcloth for each shower.
- Rinse well to remove all soap.
- Dry your body with a clean towel.
- Do not use lotion, cream, or powder.
- Do not shave or clip the area where you will undergo surgery. Unless your physician directs you to do so.
- On the day of your procedure make sure you, your family, and any other caregivers wash hands frequently. While at the facility and home following your surgery. Also, do not hesitate to ask members of your healthcare team. At the facility if they have washed their hands.
- After your procedure, ensure everyone washes their hands often. Follow all instructions from your healthcare team for caring for your surgical site, taking medications, and changing bandages.
IBI Healthcare FAQs - Special Considerations
Are There Special Considerations for a Child Having Surgery?
We realize that surgery can be frightening for you and your child. The pre-operative call with the facility nurse is a great time to arrange a tour of the facility. To ease any fears you both may be experiencing. If your child would like to have a stuffed animal or security blanket for added comfort. Furthermore, feel free to bring these items on the day of surgery. In the case of young children having surgery. Although, it is best to have someone along with the driver. To help care for the child on the trip home.
If you experience any health changes between your most recent visit with your physician and the date of surgery. Subsequently, notify your physician immediately. Additionally, please report even minor changes, such as an elevated temperature, cough, or cold. In any event, If you cannot reach your physician, please call the facility.
What if I Think I Might be Pregnant?
Please be sure to notify your physician, anesthesiologist, and nurse before the date of surgery. Particularly, if you think you may be pregnant. The surgical procedure, anesthesia and medications may be harmful to a developing baby.
IBI Healthcare FAQs - Appointments
Can I Fill Out My Information Package Before the Visit?
Yes. We strongly advise that you print and bring completed patient information forms to the office.
Should I Bring a List of My Medications or Health Records to My Office Visit?
Bringing your medication and records to the doctor’s visit takes a little more effort. However, it will ensure that you are taking the right medications and will make the visit a lot more beneficial.
How Long Will a New Patient Visit Take, and What Does it Cover?
A new patient visit usually takes about one hour. Especially covering your medical past, family history, and eating and drinking habits. In addition to this, medications, allergies, and a thorough physical examination.
IBI Healthcare FAQs - Post Operative
How Long Will a Follow-up Visit Take, and What Does it Cover?
A follow-up visit usually takes about 15-30 minutes. Besides this, it will cover your main complaints, medication review, and brief physical exam. Moreover, any lab or imaging studies ordered by the physician.
Do IBI Offer a Weight Loss Program?
We offer many weight management programs. Including but not limited to surgical, non-surgical, and functional meal replacements. Nonetheless, all these procedures complement a comprehensive exercise and nutrition regiment.
IBI Healthcare FAQs - Insurance and Cancellation
Do IBI Healthcare Accept Insurance?
We welcome all major insurance plans.
Do IBI Healthcare have a Financial Hardship Payment Policy?
Those in financial hardship measured as 125 percent of national poverty income. However, may qualify for a 25 percent reduction in fees.
What is IBI Healthcare Cancellation Policy?
We describe our healthcare as low volume and high quality. And specifically reserved every appointment time for you. We ask that you call a day in advance to reschedule or cancel your appointment. If you do not notify us within 24 hours, we may charge a $50 late cancellation fee to your account.
Is There a Appointment Cancellation Fee Without Proper Notice?
Yes, we may charge a $50 late cancellation fee to your account. Particularly, if you do not notify us within 24 hours.
IBI Healthcare FAQs - General Queries
How Do I Get a Hold of My Doctor After Hours?
In an emergency situation, please call 911 or seek immediate medical attention at your local ER facility. In the case of urgent matters, call (678) 466-6760 and leave a message for the doctor on call. For non-urgent matters, you may choose to send an email to patientexperience@ibihealthcare.com or leave a message at the office. We try our best to respond to your call within 24-48 hours.
Can I Request Pain Medication Refills by Phone or Online?
No. All pain medication requests requires a visit to office.
Is Parking Available?
Parking is available at the building free of charge.
Are There Free Online Resources I Can Get Access To?
Indeed, check out our resource page (available in both English and Spanish). Nevertheless, you can also find several useful digital health tools and quizzes. Including BMI Calculator, Weight Loss Calculator, GERD Calculator, and Bariatric Pre-Qualification Quiz.
Additionally get access to free downloadable diet plans, pre-post instructions, and informative blog posts. Lastly, you can also sign up for an online monthly bariatric seminar hosted by our board-certified bariatric surgeons.
