Preparing for a Surgical Procedure

Updated March 5, 2021

Recommendations and information about COVID-19 testing and self-isolation prior to a surgical procedure.

At Welia Health, our top priority is the safety and wellbeing of our patients. This is especially true considering the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic.

We understand any uncertainty or anxiety you may feel about your upcoming surgical procedure. Rest assured, we are taking every precaution to ensure that you receive the best and safest care possible.

Prior to COVID-19 testing and self-isolation

• Prior to your COVD-19 test, purchase any groceries and other supplies that will be needed for the time between the date of your COVID-19 test and the date of your surgical procedure.
• Schedule all medical and other appointments either before the COVID-19 test or after the surgical procedure.

COVID-19 testing

The Minnesota Department of Health requires every surgical patient receive a COVID-19 test prior to any surgical procedure. At Welia Health, our own policy states:

1. A COVID-19 test will be scheduled at least 24 hours prior to the date of surgery.

If your test result is negative for COVID-19, follow the self-isolation guidance below.

If your test comes back positive, you will be contacted by a primary care provider about how to care for yourself with COVID-19 and your surgery will be postponed.

2. Immediately following the COVID-19 test, patients are required to self-isolate until the date of your procedure.

If you are unable to self-isolate, your surgery will need to be rescheduled.

Self-isolation

After your test

• Avoid contact with anyone who is not a member of your immediate household.
• Observe physical distancing of at least 6 feet with members of your immediate household.
• Stay in a specific area of your home and away from others and animals who are not part of your immediate household.
• If members of your immediate household work outside the home or have contact with others outside your immediate household, avoid contact with them as much as possible.
• Avoid using the same bathroom as others in your same household.
• Do not share eating utensils and or drinking glasses with others in your same household.
• Wear a facemask when interacting with other individuals inside and outside of your home, unless you have been advised otherwise by your physician.
• Practice good hand hygiene, washing your hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or cleaning your hands with an alcohol-based sanitizer that contains at least 60% alcohol.
• At a minimum, hand hygiene should be performed
  • before and after eating
  • after using the bathroom
  • after contact with another individual
  • after contact with high-touch surfaces such as counters, tabletops, doorknobs, bathroom fixtures, toilets, phones, keyboards, and tablets
• Do not visit grocery stores, restaurants or run any other errands, including services such as hair, nail, or massage appointments.
• Watch for concerning COVID-19 symptoms including cough, shortness of breath or difficulty breathing, fever, chills, repeated shaking with chills, muscle pain, headache, sore throat, new loss of taste or smell.
• If at any time during the self-isolation period you feel ill, notify your provider immediately.

If you have any questions about what is required, please reach out to your primary care provider at 320.679.1313 or the surgery team at 320.225.3416