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About Your Visit

Information About What You Can Expect From Your Visit.

Before Surgery

Will someone from Microsurgical Spine Center (MSC) contact me before my surgery?

A few days before surgery, you may receive a couple calls from our facility:

  1. Someone from the MSC healthcare team will contact you to conduct a brief, routine health assessment and provide basic instructions for surgery. This is the time to ask any lingering questions you might have about your procedure.
  2. The MSC business office will contact you to address financial matters regarding your procedure—insurance coverage, co-payments and deductibles.
  3. An anesthesiologist from our facility may also contact you prior to surgery.

Are there any tests required before surgery?

  • Pre-operative tests are determined and ordered by your physician and/or an anesthesiologist.
  • Should you require such testing, you will be contacted before the date of surgery.
  • Be sure to have your doctor’s office send all necessary paperwork regarding pre-operative tests, blood work, and insurance to Microsurgical Spine Center.

What should I do if I notice a change in my physical condition leading up to my surgery?

It is very important that you note any and all changes to your well-being prior to your procedure. Colds, fevers, additional pain, etc.—they are all worth mentioning to your physician and nurse.

What, if anything, am I allowed to eat or drink before my surgery?

  • Please avoid all food and beverages—even water—from midnight on before your surgery. Otherwise, your procedure may need to be postponed.
  • More specific directions may be given during a pre-operative phone call.

Should I take my normal medications the day of my surgery?

  • Your doctor or a nurse will give you specific directions regarding your medications during a pre-operative phone call.
  • Do not forget to mention any use of blood thinners (i.e. Plavix, Asprin, etc.) during pre-operative consultations.

Do I need a ride to and from my surgery?

Yes, you will. Due to anesthesia, you will not be permitted to drive for 24 hours after your surgery.

What items should I bring with me to the surgery facility?

Please bring the following items to the MSC on the day of your surgery:

  • Photo ID and insurance cards; upon checking in the day of surgery, facility staff will need to verify these and then make multiple copies for our files.
  • A list of all drugs and supplements you are currently taking.
  • Any and all medications needed during your stay.
  • Payment for your procedure (e.g. deductible or co-payment).
  • Eyeglass and contact lens cases; you won’t be able to wear them during surgery.
  • DO NOT bring along valuables like rings, watches, etc.

How do I get to Microsurgical Spine Center?

It’s very important that you obtain directions to our facility prior to your surgery date; those are details you don’t want to worry about last minute.Our address is:

Microsurgical Spine Center
1519 3rd St. SE, Suite 102
Puyallup, WA 98372

Is it safe to have surgery if I believe I may be pregnant?

Surgical procedures, anesthesia, and other medications can be very harmful to a developing baby. If you believe there is a chance you are pregnant, please notify your doctor, nurse, and the facility prior to your surgery date.

Do I need to shower before surgery?

Yes, showering will help prevent surgical site infections. When showering be sure to shower both the night before and the morning of your procedure.

  • Wash your hair with shampoo first.
  • Using a clean washcloth for both showers, wash your body with a liquid antibacterial soap.
  • Avoid shaving near the surgical site unless instructed to do so by your physician or a nurse.
  • Once you have rinsed thoroughly, use a clean towel after each shower.
  • Do not use lotions, powders, or perfumes after showering.

Washing Hands: The day of the surgery, do not hesitate to ask friends, loved ones—even those caring for you at the facility—if they have washed their hands prior to entering your room. You should all take care to wash your hands throughout this process.

Post-Op Shower Instructions: Once home, take care to follow the specific instructions for post-operative cleaning of your surgical site, e.g. changing bandages, taking your medications, etc.

Day Of Surgery

What should I wear to surgery?

On the day of your surgery, be sure to wear loose-fitting clothing, making it easy to dress and undress yourself.

Is it okay to wear makeup and nail polish?

No. Please do not apply makeup the day of your surgery, and remove nail polish prior to your arrival.

May I smoke the day of my surgery?

No. We strongly recommend you avoid smoking the day of surgery. Not only could it create complications with your anesthesia, but you could also experience a greater risk of nausea while recovering.

When should I arrive?

During a pre-operative phone call, you will be given specific instructions with regard to your arrival. It is imperative that you arrive at the designated time.

What should I do when I get to Microsurgical Spine Center?

When you enter the facility, you will be greeted at check-in. Admission and verification will go rather quickly, because most of your information will have been sent to us before your surgery date.However, please remember to bring:

  • All important insurance cards.
  • Photo IDs.
  • Payment for your deductible or co-pay.
  • A list of your current medications and supplements.

What will happen after check-in?

After checking in, a nurse will take you through a pre-operative assessment that includes:

  • Meeting with an anesthesiologist
  • Taking your vital signs
  • Starting an IV (if necessary)

Family and friends will not be permitted to join you in this room, but our staff will continue to give them updates on your behalf.

What will I do with my personal belongings?

After changing, all of your belongings will be safely stored in the pre-operative area. Remember to leave anything of value at home.

How do I ensure I receive the correct procedure on the correct surgical site?

  • There are no greater goals for Microsurgical Spine Center than to keep you safe and get you the care you need. We follow rigorous national guidelines and protocols (National Patient Safety Goals) with regard to both.
  • Prior to surgery, you will most likely meet with your doctor to confirm your procedure and its correct surgical site.
  • What is your part in this? You may be asked to confirm many times what procedure you will be receiving and where the surgical site is located. Do not hesitate to voice any concerns, and ask questions during this pre-operative consult.
  • To further confirm and secure the correct procedure and location, your doctor may even mark the site on your body before surgery.

After Surgery

When can I see my family and friends?

A nurse will be closely monitoring your vital signs after your procedure. As soon as you are able to move around, we will ask your family or friends to come see you.

What should I do when I get home?

  • Your physician will give you written directions for your recovery at home. Be sure to have your friend or loved ones read and listen to these directions and take any notes if necessary.
  • As you will be recovering from anesthesia, do not plan to sign any legal documents during the first 24 hours after your procedure.
  • Remember to avoid driving for at least the first 24 hours after surgery.
  • Plan to have someone stay with you for the first 24 hours after your procedure.

How soon can I leave?

Either your doctor or the anesthesiologist will come see you in the recovery area to determine when you are ready to go home.

What if I’m not well enough to go home the same day?

On rare occasions, your physician or anesthesiologist may decide you need additional post operative care. In that case, you will be admitted to a nearby hospital.

What should I do if I’m not feeling well at home?

Your physician will discuss warning signs with you prior to discharge. If you exhibit any of these symptoms or serious pain, you should:

  • Contact your doctor immediately
  • Head straight to the nearest emergency room, or
  • Call 911.

How soon will I be permitted to eat something?

You doctor will have specific guidelines for you to follow with regard to your immediate diet. Plan to drink lots of fluids (with the exception of alcohol), and initially maintain a very light post-operative diet.

How will I avoid infection at the surgical site?

Remember to follow our protocol for bathing and cleaning your surgical site (see instructions for showering under “Before Surgery”).

When should I begin taking my normal medications?

In most cases, you will be instructed to continue with your usual medications after surgery. Should temporary changes to your medication routine be needed, our staff will notify you before leaving.

How will I manage my pain?

From the time you are admitted, to our post-operative call at home after you are discharged, we will be asking you to describe your pain level. Adults will be asked to rate their pain on a scale from 1-10. Please follow directions for pain medication closely, and remember that most of them will take at least 20-30 minutes to begin working effectively. Therefore, consider taking the next dose before the pain becomes unbearable.

Have Questions Or Need To Request An Appointment?

What Patients Say About NeoSpine.

I’ve been with NeoSpine for over 2 years. I have receive the absolute best care possible. Their staff, administrative as well as healthcare are knowledgeable, supportive, empathetic and understanding. As a retired Registered Nurse I’m able to understand their practice requirements and they adhere to them and, at the same time make me feel that my needs are important. Best care ever. Thank you to all staff.

Rebecca D.

Puyallup, WA

I highly recommend Neospine for back or neck surgery as I have had both procedures done there. I am now free of pain and able to do things I was able to do prior to needing the operations. I am so impressed with their staff and could never begin to thank them enough!

Malissa E.

Puyallup, WA

The entire staff at Neospine were tremendous .I was fortunate to be under the care of Dr. Nwosu. He was fantastic, professional, friendly and highly skilled at interpreting and discussing options. My specific surgery was fantastic start to finish. A huge thank you to Dr. Nwosu and all staff at Neospine for taking part in my path to wellness.

Brady H.

Puyallup, WA

NeoSpine

Contact Us

Collective Experience for Comprehensive Spine Care

Kirkland

Phone: (425) 820-1221
Fax: (844) 821-9362
13115 121st Way NE Suite C,
Kirkland, WA 98034

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Bellevue

Phone: (425) 820-1221
Fax: (425) 821-9362
1310 116th Ave NE Suite A,
Bellevue, WA 98004
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Gig Harbor

Phone: (253) 841-0842
Fax: (253) 442-6149
4700 Point Fosdick Dr NW, Suite 205
Gig Harbor, WA 98335
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Puyallup

Phone: (253) 841-8939
Fax: (253) 445-0756
1519 3rd St SE, Suite 101
Puyallup, Washington 98372
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Silverdale

Phone: (253) 841-0842
Fax: (253) 442-6149
9615 Levin Rd, Suite 103
Silverdale, WA 98383
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Bonney Lake

Phone: (253) 841-8939
Fax: (253) 445-0756
9812 205th Ave East Suite C
Bonney Lake, WA 98391
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(Dr. Kathy Wang only)

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