General Surgery Patient Flow Protocol

1. Pre-Arrival Phase

Patient Scheduling

• Verify insurance and pre-authorization
• Complete initial screening questionnaire
• Schedule pre-operative consultation
• Provide written pre-operative instructions

Documentation Requirements

• Complete medical history
• Current medication list
• Previous surgical history
• Recent laboratory results
• Relevant imaging studies

2. Check-In Process

Reception Area

• Patient arrives 15 minutes before appointment
• Verify identity and insurance
• Update demographic information
• Collect copayment
• Sign necessary consent forms

Initial Assessment

• Vital signs
• Height and weight
• NPO status verification
• Pre-operative medication review

3. Pre-Operative Area

Patient Preparation

• Change into surgical attire
• IV access establishment
• Surgical site marking
• Pre-operative antibiotics if indicated

Safety Checks

• Surgical consent verification
• Site verification
• Allergies confirmation
• Time-out procedure

4. Operating Room Flow

Room Turnover

• 30-minute standard turnover time
• Equipment verification
• Instrument sets preparation
• Room cleaning protocol

Staff Positions

• Surgeon positioning
• Assistant positioning
• Scrub tech setup
• Circulating nurse duties

5. Post-Operative Care

PACU Protocol

• Vital signs monitoring schedule
• Pain management protocol
• Discharge criteria
• Family notification process

Discharge Process

• Written post-operative instructions
• Medication reconciliation
• Follow-up appointment scheduling
• Emergency contact information

6. Documentation Requirements

Essential Forms

• Operative report
• Anesthesia record
• PACU notes
• Discharge summary
• Follow-up instructions