Patient Resources

Your Child's Surgery

Thank you for choosing Cincinnati Children's for your child's surgery. We perform procedures that require anesthesia at our Burnet Campus and Liberty Campus. We understand that this can be a frightening time for you and your child. We look forward to working closely with you to make your visit as safe, convenient and comfortable as possible. We can answer some of the questions you might have about your child’s procedure.

> Download a copy of the Same Day Surgery Prep Book (PDF).

How should I prepare for my child’s procedure?

You should:

Schedule a physical exam with your child’s primary care physician no more than 30 days before the procedure.
Have your child’s primary care physician complete and sign the medical history and physical exam form.
Let Surgery Registration know if you or your child has special communication needs. Call the Burnet Campus at 513-636-8897 or the Liberty Campus at 513-803-9820.
Receive authorization from your insurance company if required by your insurance provider.
Review eating and drinking instructions.
Review information about anesthesia.
Prepare for coming home by having clear liquids and acetaminophen available.

A nurse will attempt to call you one or two days before the procedure to:

Confirm the time and location of the surgery
Ask about your child’s health, medications and exposure to other children that have been sick
Address your questions and concerns

Where do I register if my child is having surgery?

If surgery is being performed at our Burnet Campus, check in at Surgery Registration, Location B, third floor.

If surgery is being performed at our Liberty Campus, check in at the Same Day Surgery registration desk, entrance B, second floor.

What should I bring to the hospital?

We’ll ask to see:

Your insurance or medical card and your 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, including prescription, over-the-counter and herbal medications

What if my child is over age 18?

Patients age 18 or older who have the ability to make an informed decision have the right to make their own medical treatment decisions. You also have the right to draft an advance directive that gives instructions for healthcare in case you are no longer able to participate in treatment decisions. For more information or copies of advance directive forms:

Admitting, 513-636-4207
Social Services, 513-636-4711
Talk to your nurse or doctor

If you or your doctor feels your child is not able to understand the risks and benefits of medical treatment and cannot make informed medical decisions, you must arrange for a legal guardian to be appointed for that purpose. To obtain legal guardianship for an adult child, parents must apply to the probate court in the county where the child lives. For more information, contact a lawyer or the probate court.

Whom do I call if I have a concern about my child’s care?

If you have a concern about the quality of care or a safety issue, please speak to your child’s nurse or doctor, or to the unit manager. Here are steps you can take if you have a concern or grievance that cannot be immediately addressed by your care team:

Contact Family Relations to speak to a patient advocate

Phone: 513-636-4700
Email: advocates@cchmc.org

Contact the Ohio Department of Health

Phone: 1-800-342-0553
Email: hccomplaints@odh.ohio.gov

Contact The Joint Commission, the organization that accredits hospitals nationwide.

Phone: 1-800-994-6610
Email: complaint@jointcommission.org
Web: www.jointcommission.org

Medicare beneficiaries have the right to request a review of their grievances by Ohio’s Quality Improvement Organization. Medicare patients may make this request through Family Relations or by calling the Ohio Medicare Beneficiary helpline at 1-855-408-8557 or www.keproqio.com.

Read more about Your Rights and Responsibilities.

Guide to Surgery

For detailed information, download our booklet, A Guide to Surgery for Patients and Families.

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Your Rights and Responsibilities

Patient Resources

Your Child's Surgery

Guide to Surgery

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