Frequently Asked questions
What to Bring?
- Copy of your Advance Directive or Durable Power of Attorney of Healthcare; bring those if you have them. Sanford USD Medical Center can provide information if you need it.
- Current home medications, only if you have not brought them to the Center for Joint Success class
- Patient gowns are for surgery and bedtime only. We encourage casual attire for all patients. This can include dresses, shorts, culottes, cut-offs and tops for women; and cut-off walking shorts and shirts for men. Appropriate footwear includes sneakers or a flat rubber-sole supportive shoe. No slippers, please.
- Walker or crutches, if you have them.
- Any necessary medical equipment (i.e., CPAP)
How long will I be in the hospital?
Will I have pain?
- All patients have discomfort after surgery. Our goal is to keep you very comfortable.
- You will have access to medication for pain during your hospital stay. You will be frequently asked to rate your pain on a scale of 1-10 (10 being the worst). We will also ask that you share your comfort goal with us.
- You may be on a PCA (patient controlled analgesia) pump which allows you to administer an intravenous dosing of a pain reliever. Other methods to give pain relief medications are orally/by mouth. Your physician will determine which type is best for your procedure.
- You must notify your nurse if your pain is not controlled by the medications we are using.
- When you begin physical therapy, you should ask for pain pills a ½ hour before your session.
Our goal is your comfort during your stay with us.
When can I go home?
- Within 3 days after surgery, you may be discharged from the hospital. You will leave with any prescriptions you need, a return appointment date to see your physician, and activity and exercise instructions.
- Before you leave, you will be able to:
- Get in and out of bed and a chair independently.
- Walk independently using crutches or a walker.
- If you are unable to return home to your usual daily activities, the RN Case Manger will assist you with other arranagments.
Will I be able to go home alone?
- No
- Plan to leave by 11 am on the day of discharge.
- A RN Case Manager will be available to help you with your plans for after you leave the hospital.
- Remember, you need to have assistance at home for at least 72 hours after surgery.
- The Van demark Building, located on the Sanford Health campus, is available for your outpatient therapy needs or you may choose a location of your choice. Your physician will determine if outpatient therapy is needed. The RN Case Managers will assist in sett up these appointments.
Preparing For Discharge
Plan for an 11 am discharge, we will assist you with your discharge process at this time. The 11 am departure will enable you to travel home during daylight hours and is especially helpful if you have a distance to travel.
Prior to discharge, the following criteria must be met:
- Your physician(s) need(s) to write discharge orders for you.
- Home instruction must be completed by your care team.
- Prescriptions may need to be ordered (you may take your prescriptions to a pharmacy of your choice or have them filled at Lewis Family Pharmacy.)
Billing Procedure
Financial Consultants are available on the unit to answer your financial questions or concerns during your hospital stay. Please contact them through your nurse or by calling 605-328-5190.
Approximately 10 days after your discharge, you will receive a summary statement of your hospital charges. At that time, your secondary payer such as Medicare or private insurance carrier will be billed. Charges will vary depending on the services. You will then receive monthly statements advising you on the status of your bill.
Our charges are for hospital-rendered services only. You will be billed separately by the physicians who have worked with you, such as surgeons, radiologists and anesthesiologists, as well as your own primary physician. In addition, independent laboratories and other professional services may bill you.
As a courtesy to our patients, we will submit all Medicare, insurance and other third party claims. All balances are considered due at the time of discharge. Please remember that your are responsible for the balance of your bill regardless of insurance payments. If you have questions, please feel free to call the Business Office at 605-328-6585.
When to Call the Doctor?
Notify your physician if:
- You have increased pain, redness, drainage, odor, or swelling in the incision.
- An elevated temperature over 100.4°.
- Any shortness of breath or pain in your calves or chest.
Helpful Help Tips
- Use a walker or crutches until your physician instructs otherwise.
- Remember to bear weight on your hips as instructed by your physical therapist.
- Continue to exercise, as instructed.
- Do not drive until your physician gives approval.
- You may need to wear your elastic stockings during the day to prevent swelling and blood clots. You will need assistance or special equipment to put on and take off the elastic stockings.
- For any surgery or dental work occurring after your hip replacement, you will need antibiotics to prevent infection.
- Ask your physician for an airport card.
Back on Track
A total hip replacement can relieve your pain and stiffness and return you to most of the activities you enjoy. With your new hip in place, you can look forward to many active years.
For more information about the Center for Joint Success please call 605-328-5397.
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