Preparing for The Bonati Procedures

Patients must contact the Scheduling Department prior to arrival with accommodation information so that they can be contacted by The Bonati Institute while in Hudson. Please call (800) 330-4262 or (727) 868-9563. Remember, you must have a companion with you if you are a surgery patient. Your surgery may be cancelled if you do not have a companion.

Thorough analysis of MRI is a critical part of the Bonati concept.

What to Expect

• A helpful, committed staff offering excellent care.
• Individual attention.
• Quick recovery with three to five days of physical therapy after surgery .
• A complete medical campus that includes diagnostic, surgical and physical therapy facilities on site.

What to Do

• Make sure the MRIs or X-rays you send to The Bonati Institute are recent. They should have been taken within the past twelve months.
• Fill out all forms as completely as possible and bring them with you.
• Make a list of questions for the staff so you will be as well-informed as possible.
• Do not send deposits ahead of time. Bring them with you.
• Call Scheduling at 1-800-330-4262, ext. 206, with a local contact number as soon as possible so we can reach you when you get to the Tampa Bay area.

What to Bring

• A companion who can stay with you on the day of surgery and on that first night. You cannot have surgery unless you have a companion.
• A list of telephone numbers of people at home.
• All medications you are currently taking, including a list of dosages and instructions for their use.
• Comfortable clothes such as sweat suits, T-shirts and sneakers. Bring a sweater or sweatshirt as well. If you are having a cervical procedure, you may want to bring a top that buttons or zips up front, rather than one that is pulled over your head. Also, you may want to bring slip-on shoes rather than shoes that tie.
• A bathing suit for hydrotherapy, which is an important part of your follow-up physical therapy and pain management
• Items that will help you pass the time, such as books, laptop computer, cards or knitting.

About Medication

If you are planning for a surgical procedure at The Bonati Institute, please note that the following medications should not be taken during the two weeks before your scheduled surgery. Taking any of these medications during the two weeks before your initial surgery will cause your procedure to be postponed:

• Aspirin, including enteric-coated aspirin, such as Ecotrin or Bufferin
• Any and all anti-inflammatory medications, including: NSAIDS, such as Aleve, Anaprox, Naproxen
• Arthortec, Cataflam, Darvon Compound-65
• Daypro, Disalcid, Feldene, Indocin, Lodine, Mobic
• Ibuprofen, Motrin, Relafen, Soma Compound, Vicoprofen, Voltaren

The above is a partial list of anti-inflammatory medications. If you are taking a medication not shown on the list, and are unsure whether it is an anti-inflammatory, please consult your physician or pharmacist.

Please also stop taking all vitamins, minerals and herbal supplements as many of these may cause increased bleeding. Also, please consult your physician if you are currently taking a blood thinner such as Coumadin, Warfarin, Lovenox, Persantine, Plavix, Reopro or Ticlid.

These medications can only be stopped under the direct advice and supervision of you physician. If you are planning to come to The Bonati Institute, you must consult with your prescribing physician beforehand and gain your doctor's written consent to stop taking the medications. Your prescribing physician is encouraged to contact The Bonati Institute with specific instructions or bridge therapy to assist with your surgical care.

Insurance Information

All insurance information is verified prior to the scheduling of any appointments. For all PPO and POS policies, The Bonati Institute is an out-of-network provider and does work with non-network benefits. The Bonati Institute does not participate with any HMO or EPO policies. After we have verified your insurance you will be responsible for all out of pocket expenses up to your insurance company’s reasonable and customary rates. There are also a few insurance companies The Bonati Institute presently does not work with. If you are insured by one of these companies, we can then quote you a global fee. Global fee information is available upon request. Please note that The Bonati Institute does not accept Medicare or Medicaid patients, or Letters of Protection.