The Days Before a Procedure

Procedure Preparation Checklists

Have I scheduled a physical exam with my child's primary care physician to occur no more than 30 days before the procedure date?
Has the primary care physician completed and signed the medical history and physical exam form?
Have I notified Surgery Registration that my child, family or I have special communication needs (hearing, visual or language)?
Cincinnati Children's Burnet Campus: 513-636-8897
Cincinnati Children's Liberty Campus: 513-803-9820

Have I received authorization from my insurance company, if required by my insurance contract?

Have I discussed my child's medical history with the doctor?

Have I asked my surgeon about any special equipment I may need at home after surgery?

Have I made plans for someone to care for other children while I am at the hospital?

Does the hospital have the most current phone number where I can be reached?

(For families coming from out of town) Have I called Guest Services at 800-344-2462 for help making travel and lodging plans?

Have I reviewed the instructions for eating and drinking before the procedure?
Does my child have a cold, a fever, a rash or fever blister? If so, please call your doctor. The procedure may need to be done at a later date.
Have I talked with my child about the procedure? Have we read books about hospitals and operations?
Have I reviewed the information about anesthesia?
Has my child taken a bath or shower and removed all make-up, nail polish, and all pierced and other jewelry?
Do I have plenty of clear liquids, such as water, sugar water, Gatorade, Kool-Aid, Jell-O, apple juice, pulp-free juices, breast milk, Pedialyte, soft drinks and popsicles?
Do I have a supply of acetaminophen products, such as Tylenol?
Have I planned quiet games and activities following the procedure?
Have I made plans for getting to and from Cincinnati Children's?
Have I made plans to be with my child or have another adult there while my child recovers at home?
Have I arranged for someone to care for other children while I am at the hospital?

Insurance cards, medical cards and child's Social Security number
Completed medical history and physical exam form
Proof of guardianship (for court-appointed guardians)
A list of medications your child is taking
Containers for glasses, contact lenses, hearing aids and dentures (leave valuables, such as jewelry, at home)
Favorite toy, blanket or comfort item
Special bottle, nipple, pacifier or sipper cup
Loose, comfortable clothing for your child to wear after the procedure
Something to occupy your time while you are waiting, like a book, magazines, or knitting