Planning for Joint Replacement Surgery

Patients considering joint replacement surgery are encouraged to attend our annual seminar about joint replacement and what to expect before, during and after surgery. Speakers include the program coordinator, surgeons, a physical therapist and an anesthesiologist.

See Calendar for Hip and Knee Replacement Education Programs

Patient Education for Joint Replacement Surgery

The planning process begins as soon as the patient books the surgery through their physician. Each patient will be contacted by a Nurse Navigator to ensure readiness for surgery. Working with a Nurse Navigator helps to establish realistic goals and expectations, and decrease pre-surgery apprehension through education and personal attention. Our Nurse Navigators will provide information such as:

• What to expect physically and mentally before, during, and after surgery
• Preparing your home and body for surgery
• What to bring to the hospital
• Planning for discharge home after the hospital, including instructions about necessary equipment and home care services

For information regarding your hospital stay for total joint replacement surgery, call the Joint Replacement Center at 203-863-3697.

To schedule an appointment with a surgeon in Orthopedics, call Long Ridge Medical Center at 475-240-5762.

Preadmission for Joint Replacement Surgery

The doctor's office organizes all necessary preoperative tests. The hospital's preadmission nurse conducts preoperative interviews by telephone with all patients scheduled for surgery. The interview includes a review of what is involved with the procedure and how to prepare.

The preadmission nurse makes sure that all the necessary preoperative tests have been done and conducts a complete review of the patient’s medical history. Any needs the patient has, such as translation services or transportation, are discussed.

Learn more about Patient services at Greenwich Hospital

Learn more about Admitting

Discharge Planning

An individualized plan will be developed, in collaboration with physicians, nurses, case managers and others to address a variety of patient needs. These include being fitted for an assistive device such as a walker, transportation, support services, home care, medication management and rehabilitation referrals or placements.

If needed, a case manager works directly with patients to review insurance benefits and to plan appropriate placement at an inpatient rehabilitation facility upon discharge. 

Learn more about Discharge Procedures

Billing and Payment

Part of the discharge planning process includes helping patients fully understand the billing process in order to plan for payment. Case managers work closely with patients to clarify insurance benefits eligibility.

Please note: Patients may receive separate bills from providers other than the hospital. These may include physicians, such as the radiologist and anesthesiologist, and the laboratory.

Learn more about Billing and How to Pay Your Bill Online