If you are having surgery, there are a number of steps you must take to get ready.

At Rio Grande Regional Hospital, our goal is to make your experience a bit easier by walking you through the process. Whether you're having surgery at our hospital or the Outpatient Surgery Center, we're here to help you feel safe, informed and confident about your upcoming procedure.

Preparing for your surgery

These are general guidelines. In all cases, your doctor should provide instructions about what to do and when to arrive.

Before surgery

  • In the days leading up to your procedure, expect a call from one of our representatives. They will review your medical history and schedule pre-admission lab work and tests. All pre-admission work should be done two days before your scheduled surgery. If not, please call us at (956) 632-6000.
  • If needed, speak to an anesthesiologist and other medical professionals about your surgery and what to expect.
  • For pediatric patients, ask about arranging a tour of the facility for your child to help ease any anxiety.
  • Do not take any medications containing aspirin, vitamin E, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, herbs, weight loss products or recreational drugs for at least seven days before surgery or the day after your procedure. If you have taken any of these, please let your physician/surgeon know as soon as possible.
  • For most surgeries, do not smoke, eat or drink anything, including water, after midnight the day of your surgery. Food in your stomach may cause complications, so if you eat or drink by mistake, please tell your surgical team. Your procedure may need to be postponed.
  • Follow your doctor's orders about taking routine medication.

Day of surgery

  • Bathe and brush your teeth, but do not swallow water.
  • Remove all makeup, nail polish, jewelry and be prepared to remove contacts lenses.
  • Wear loose, comfortable clothing and slip-on shoes. You may want to bring a sweater and socks.
  • Leave all jewelry and valuables at home.
  • Bring needed medical devices, like inhalers and crutches.
  • Bring current insurance card and information.
  • Bring government-issued photo ID such as a driver’s license. Minors do not need ID but the primary insured party does need theirs.
  • Bring your form of payment, if required (cash, check, debit or credit card).
  • If indicated, supply guardianship paperwork and/or power of attorney documents.
  • Bring copy of your advance directive or living will if you have one.

Pediatric patients

  • Both parents may stay with their child in the pre-operative area before surgery and one parent in step-down recovery following surgery. A parent or legal guardian must remain in the facility while their child is under our care.
  • Bring a favorite toy or blanket for your child to help them feel more comfortable.
  • Your child will probably have an IV in place when they wake up from their procedure, which will be removed after they are awake and are able to take in fluids without any nausea.
  • Your child can drink after the procedure. If your child does not drink from a cup, please bring a bottle or sippy cup.
  • Bring diapers for infants and a change of clothes for pediatric patients.
  • Sibling visits are generally discouraged in the Outpatient Surgery Center and are limited in the main hospital.

Discharge and recovery

  • If you are having day surgery, a responsible adult over the age of 18 must accompany you home and stay with you for 24 hours.
  • Pediatric patients must be taken home according to the Texas seat belt laws. If you need information about child passenger safety for rear-facing seats, forward-facing seats, booster seats and safety belt use, visit the Texas Department of Public Safety
  • Follow your doctor's instructions about diet, rest, exercise and medications. We will give you a written summary of these post-op instructions before you get discharged.
  • Take it easy following your procedure. It is normal to feel drowsy after receiving an anesthetic so we recommend that in the first 24 hours of your procedure you do not: drive and operate equipment, sign important papers, make significant decisions or drink alcoholic beverages.
  • A nurse from our facility will call you the next working day to check on your progress and discuss any questions you may have.
  • If you are experiencing any unexpected problems, call your doctor.

Insurance and billing

Before your scheduled surgery, a representative will verify insurance coverage and benefits. We accept most health plans. Read our participating health plans to verify that your insurance provider is listed or check with your insurance provider.

The total cost of your surgery will depend on a variety of factors and includes fees from each of the service providers who participate in your care before, during and after surgery. These fees may include cost of medications and use of the operating and recovery rooms, X-rays and laboratory tests performed prior to the procedure, and provider fees from your surgeon and anesthesiologist. In most cases, patients receive separate bills from each provider. We invite you to learn more about pricing estimates for our most frequently scheduled hospital services.

If you have any questions regarding insurance or billing, please call us at (800) 759-3742