Once you have scheduled your joint replacement surgery, you will receive a written copy of your “Clinical Pathway” – a flexible guideline to help you and your family understand the process of your treatment and anticipate your needs during future phases of recovery. Your caregivers will review the plan at each critical stage to make sure your goals are being met and to make any necessary adjustments.

Next is a home assessment of the patient and his environment, including a strengthening program to help the patient come to surgery in the best physical shape possible.

Pre-Op Educational Class

Prior to surgery, prospective patients and their families are invited to attend an educational class. In a comfortable and pleasant setting, a team of experts from different specialties explains each step in the total join replacement process. They describe how the surgery is performed and what to expect from the procedure. 

Topics include:

• Preparing your home for recovery
• What to expect during your hospital stay
• Physical limitations and precautions following joint replacement
• Helpful exercises during rehabilitation
• Recovery at home

The pre-op education class is held every-other Thursday from 12:30-2:30 p.m.  You will register through your surgeon's office.

Care Managment

Prior to admission, you may speak with an Evergreen care manager. This specially-trained professional will discuss your home-care needs; as well as the type and frequency of physical therapy that will be most beneficial. In consultation with your physician, nurses and physical therapist, the care manager will make sure you have access to any needed equipment and/or assistance with activities of daily living.

Pre-Surgery Evaluation

Three-to-nine days before your surgery, you will be evaluated in the Admissions Testing Area at Evergreen Hospital Medical Center.

• A registered nurse will review your medical history and perform any necessary lab or X-ray tests.
• The nurse will discuss post-surgery pain management.
• An anesthesiologist or nurse anesthetist will discuss your anesthesia choices for surgery (an anesthesiologist or anesthetist will be present in the operating room during your entire procedure to administer medications and monitor your condition).
• You will complete any necessary paperwork for your hospital admission. Be sure to bring pertinent insurance information at this time.