To prepare for surgery with Dr. Gomoll, stop narcotics 14 days before your procedure, blood thinners and supplements 7–10 days before, and do not eat or drink after midnight the night before. Arrange a ride home, bring a photo ID and insurance card, wear loose clothing, and expect a confirmation call from the surgical facility the day before with your arrival time.
Insurance approval
Your insurance approval is handled entirely by Dr. Gomoll's administrative assistants and surgical schedulers. In most cases you do not need to do anything — the administrative assistant will contact you to confirm approval.
For more complex procedures such as cartilage repair or meniscal transplantation, appeals are sometimes required. The administrative assistant will guide you through that process.
When you'll learn your surgical time
The surgical facility will call you the day before your procedure to confirm your arrival time. If you haven't heard by late afternoon:
- Hospital for Special Surgery: 212-606-1000
- Dr. Gomoll's office: 646-917-7441
How to prepare
- Nothing to eat or drink after midnight the night before your procedure
- Arrange a family member or friend to accompany you to the hospital and drive you home
- Plan transportation for the day of discharge (home or hotel)
- Adjust your work and social schedule for the recovery period
- Arrange transportation for your first follow-up — you cannot drive while on narcotic pain medication
- Expect your first post-op visit 10–14 days after surgery — see after-surgery instructions
What to bring
- Photo ID
- Insurance card
- A companion who will stay the entire time and take you home
- Comfortable, loose clothing — zip-up or button-down for shoulder/elbow surgery; loose pants or shorts for knee surgery
- Leave jewelry, money, and valuables at home
Medications to stop before surgery
Follow this timeline carefully. Stopping at the wrong time increases your bleeding risk or anaesthesia complications.
- Vicodin / Norco
- Darvocet / Percocet
- Oxycontin
- All narcotic pain medications
- Plavix / Coumadin / Warfarin
- Prescribed Aspirin
- Advil / aspirin-like NSAIDs
- Turmeric, fish oil, vitamin E
- Tylenol (acetaminophen)
- Heart meds (hypertension, arrhythmia) with a small sip of water
- Bring your inhaler if applicable
- Check with internist about diabetic medications
Additional information
- Imaging — what to bring: bring your outside MRI/X-ray images on a disk so Dr. Gomoll can review them before surgery
- Day of surgery: check-in, pre-op holding, and anesthesia — what to expect
- HSS in-patient and out-patient surgery brochure (PDF)
- HSS Ambulatory Surgical Center (ASC) — patient information
- HSS hotel partners, transportation & neighborhood directory
For questions specific to your procedure see surgical procedures explained or contact our office directly.
Frequently asked questions
Can I take vitamins or herbal supplements before surgery?
Stop turmeric, fish oil, and vitamin E 7–10 days before surgery — these increase bleeding risk. For any other supplements consult Dr. Gomoll's office and your internist.
What if I have a cold, fever, or infection before surgery?
Call Dr. Gomoll's office at 646-917-7441 immediately. Active infections may require rescheduling. Do not arrive at the hospital without notifying us first.
Can I drive myself home after surgery?
No. Anesthesia and pain medication make driving unsafe for at least 24 hours. While on narcotic pain medication you cannot drive at all — arrange transportation for your first follow-up visit too.
How long is my insurance approval valid?
Most approvals are valid for six months to one calendar year from the approval date. Dr. Gomoll's schedulers will confirm approval before your surgical date — you do not need to coordinate this yourself.
Will I see Dr. Gomoll or a PA at my first post-op visit?
Either may see you depending on the procedure and your preference. Both are fully familiar with your case. Your first follow-up is typically 10–14 days after surgery — see after-surgery instructions.