Admission procedures: Overnight and Day Surgery Patients

Pre-surgical phone interview:

An OakLeaf Surgical Hospital nurse will call you 1 - 2 days prior to your scheduled surgery to obtain information that will assist the hospital staff in preparing for your surgical procedure. This phone conversation will include questions about:

  • Medications you are taking (prescription, over-the-counter and herbal remedies).
  • Any allergies (food, medications, environmental).
  • Timetable for your estimated admission, surgery and recovery.
  • Your transportation arrangements for the day of your procedure.

On the day of your surgery:

Come to the reception desk in the OLSH lobby and let them know you have arrived.  After checking in, you will be escorted to a private registration area. A family member may be with you at this time.

  • You will be interviewed to complete any paperwork and review your patient rights.
  • Your registration form will be reviewed for accuracy.
  • A patient identification band will be placed on your wrist.
  • You will then return to the lobby area.

Pre-Op Preparations:

When everything is ready for your procedure, the nurse will come to the lobby waiting area to meet you. Any companions with you will be asked to wait in the lobby area. The nurse will accompany you to the Pre-Op area.
There you will:

  • Meet with the surgeon.
  • Meet with the anesthesiologist.
  • Change clothes (your clothing and other personal items will be placed in a basket and returned to you in the recovery room or taken to your room.)
  • Sign a surgical consent.
  • You will be asked to remove any contact lens, partials, dentures, nail polish and jewelry.
  • A nurse will be available to you from Pre-Op to Recovery and is there to address any concerns or needs you might have.
  • When your surgeon is ready, you will be transported to the operating room, accompanied by your surgical nurse.
  • After your surgery, you will be taken to the Recovery Room until your anesthesiologist determines you are awake and responding appropriately.
  • When you are awake and responding appropriately, you will be taken to your room or discharged. Any family members or friends will be advised that you are ready to go home, or if you will be staying in the hospital, when they might see you.

Overnight Hospital Stays

Some procedures may require you to stay in the hospital overnight or longer, dependent on your doctor’s orders. This could include the night before, or the evening after surgery. Your doctor will advise you as to the anticipated length of time you will be in the hospital following your procedure.

Your room will reflect a warm comfortable home-like atmosphere with custom cabinetry, carpeting, television and DVD player.

You will be able to select room service meals, individually prepared for you by our hospital chef.

Any physical, respiratory, or other therapy will be conducted in the privacy of your hospital room and surrounding area.

Same Day Surgical Procedures

Same Day (Outpatient) procedures include any surgeries that allow you to return home the same day. Admission guidelines are the same for Overnight Stay and Same Day surgical patients.

Recovery Room and Discharge

After your surgery, you will be taken to the Recovery Room, where your nurse will be with you. You will remain in the Recovery Room until you are well enough to go home. The anesthesiologist will determine when it is safe for you to be released.

When you are ready to leave the hospital, the Recovery Room nurse will review with you, and the person accompanying you, any instructions regarding medications, diet, surgical dressings and follow-up appointments.

All instructions will be provided in writing along with contact phone numbers should you have any questions after discharge.

Visitor Information

Visiting hours are not limited, unless otherwise requested by a physician or patient, however we do not recommend people staying long hours due to the patient’s need for rest. Visitors may use the main entrance of the hospital. After-hours visitors may use a security-controlled door to the right of the main entrance.

A large comfortable lobby area with large screen television, wireless internet, aquarium, clustered seating areas, complimentary refreshments and reading materials is available to friends and family, during regular day hours.

The Bistro area, just a few steps away from the lobby and patient rooms, offers complimentary snacks and beverages for family members as well as comfortable seating, television, restrooms, and access to a writing desk and telephone.  Family members may order room service meals to be served in the patient’s room or in the Bistro area.

Insurance Options at Oakleaf Surgical Hospital

OakLeaf Surgical Hospital participates with the following health plans:

  • Advocare (Medicare Advantage)
  • Anthem Blue Cross and Blue Shield
  • Choice Care Network
  • CIGNA
  • Community Employers Health Alliance (CEHA)
  • Community Health Partnership
  • Coventry HealthCare
  • MultiPlan
  • First Health
  • Group Health Cooperative of Eau Claire
  • Gundersen Lutheran Health Plan
  • HealthEOS
  • HealthPartners
  • Humana
  • Interplan Health Group
  • Medica
  • Medicare
  • Medicaid
  • Prevea Health Network
  • PreferredOne
  • Security Health Plan
  • SelectCare-LaborCare
  • The Alliance
  • Unity Health Insurance
  • WEA Trust
  • WPS

Please check with your health insurance company to confirm hospital and physician participation with your health insurance plan.

Patient Rights/Advance Directives

* Advance directives: This link will inform you of the OakLeaf Surgical Hospital’s policy regarding power of attorney, living wills and other advance directives. View advance directives, print or download (PDF).

Privacy Notice

* Privacy Notice: This will advise you of how personal medical information about you may be used and disclosed and how you can get access to this information. Please review it carefully. View privacy notices (PDF).