Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) | Overview
Surgical FAQs
We have provided answers to frequently asked questions regarding surgery. This is not medical advice, but simply a guide we have provided for helping you. If you have further questions please contact our surgical coordinator by phone 617-355-4337, or e-mail.
How do I schedule surgery?
You will need to schedule an eye exam and a pre-operative appointment for our doctors to assess the need for surgery. You can make an appointment by contacting our call center at 617-355-6401. You may also be asked to obtain a referral from your primary care physician.
Where do I go on the day of the surgery?
This depends on where your surgery is scheduled. The day surgery nurse or your surgical coordinator will contact you the week before your scheduled surgery to explain the details. In general you will need to go to one of the following locations one hour before your scheduled time:
Boston: (The third floor of the main building located on Boston Children's main campus) Directions
Waltham: Directions
Lexington: Directions
Beth Israel Deaconess Medical Center: (Report to the Pre-operative center located at Shapiro 3) Directions
The patient is sick. What should I do?
You may need to reschedule you surgery. Contact your surgical coordinator at 617-355-4337, and he/she will evaluate your situation.
How long is the wait for surgery?
Generally speaking we book 2 to 3 months in advance. This is of course dependent on the urgency of your child or your condition. Urgent cases are handled as soon as possible.
What can the patient eat the night before surgery?
Please see Pre-Operative Information for details regarding dietary restrictions.
Do I need a post-operative appointment and when should that be?
Post-operative appointments depend on the type of procedure. If a post-operative visit is needed it will be scheduled when you book your surgery.
What do I need to do regarding my insurance?
Alert your pediatrician or primary care physician about your surgery. They can give you an insurance referral if you require one. You will also be contacted 2 weeks prior to your surgery by Children`s Patient Access Center. The Patient Access Center can confirm any insurance changes that have happened and assist you with any problem in getting authorization for your surgery.
What does an anesthesia consult mean?
The doctor may ask for an anesthesia consult. This will be scheduled when you surgery is booked. During an anesthesia consult lab work may be done to make the surgery and anesthesia process run as smoothly as possible.
What happens if I cancel the surgery?
You will be asked to reschedule. Since we typically book 2 to 3 months in advance we strongly discourage you from doing this. When you are rescheduled, your new date will be dependent on the urgency of the surgery as well as available operating room time.