What to expect
Support at each step
Our multi-disciplinary care team helps with your care needs from the time you schedule your surgery to the time you leave the hospital. This includes your pre-surgery education, helping with insurance questions, an evaluation to ensure you are prepared for surgery, coordinating care between your primary physician and the hospital, and helping you plan for recovery at home.
Education
You should receive an education manual from your provider’s office before surgery. There is also a PDF version available online. You can access the hip manual here, and you can access the knee manual here.
Upfront
As part of the orthopedic program, you will receive a secure text message or email to access the Upfront Patient Care Journey. Upfront is a great resource to patient throughout their care journey. To learn more, click here.
Customized Plan of Care
- If home health care or short-term rehab services are covered by your health insurance, you will still need to qualify for these services.
- For example, if you are moving well and are medically stable when you leave the hospital, you may not meet the guidelines for these services.
- In this case, you may have to pay out-of-pocket for these services if you want them. It is important to have other plans in place in case you do not meet the guidelines.
Planning
- It is important to plan in advance as you prepare for your recovery at home. Here are some examples: prepare meals ahead of time or arrange for help with meals or groceries, arrange for someone to pick drop you off and pick you up from the hospital, and arrange for someone to be available to assist you as needed at home.
- If home health care or short-term rehab services are covered by your health insurance, you will still need to qualify for these services.
- For example, if you are moving well and are medically stable when you leave the hospital, you may not meet the guidelines for these services.
- In this case, you may have to pay out-of-pocket for these services if you want them. It is important to have other plans in place in case you do not meet the guidelines.
What to expect after surgery
Goals of care
- Meet your therapy goals.
- Pain is managed.
- Return to baseline level of urination, or there is a plan in place.
- Able to tolerate eating food.
Expectations
- For your safety, you will be assisted to ambulate by a member of your nurse care team.
- You will be encouraged to be up in the chair for all meals.
- Review and bring your hip or knee replacement manual with you to the hospital.
Day of Surgery
After progressing from the Post Anesthesia Care Unit (PACU) recovery room you will transfer to the Orthopedic unit. Here you will meet the rest of your health care team. Early ambulation is important for a successful recovery. You should expect to be walking with assistance by your nurse care team shortly after arriving to the orthopedic unit. A physical therapist will assess your progress and help you walk with a walker.
Day One
In the morning, your nurse care team will help you out of bed and into the recliner for breakfast. You will work with a physical therapist to progress through your therapy goals.
Most patients are ready to discharge the day after surgery before noon. It is important to have a ride available to pick you up before noon. You will receive discharge instructions that your nurse will review with you and your care circle.
Customized after-care
- Your care team will work with you and your family to develop a personalized discharge plan. The majority of patients are able to recover in their own home, either with help from family and friends or with care providers who come into the home.
- It is important to plan in advance to prepare for your recovery at home. Here are some examples: prepare meals ahead of time or arrange for help with meals or groceries, arrange for someone to pick drop you off and pick you up from the hospital, and arrange for someone to be available to assist you as needed at home.
- Other patients may continue rehabilitation in a skilled nursing facility (or short-term rehabilitation center) where their medical needs can be monitored at all times and there are many types of help and services available. It is important to note a benefit for discharge services such as a short-term rehabilitation center does not guarantee you automatically qualify for these services after surgery. It is helpful to have a backup plan in the event you do not meet requirements for these services.
Discharge instructions
Understanding and remembering all the information you need to know can feel overwhelming. You will have resources available should you have questions or concerns while recovering.
Allina Health account provides online access once you get home to view your discharge instructions, refill a prescription and more.