Frequently asked questions

1. How can I schedule an appointment? You can call or email us. Our Long Beach office phone number is (562) 424-0421, our San Pedro office phone number is (310) 831-6142, or you can email us at: appointment@assocgensurg.com. 2. How can I find out if you accept my insurance? Please call our billing department at (562)427-4291 or email us at billing@assocgensurg.com 3. Will your office help me determine what my insurance benefits are and what my out-of-pocket expensive will be? Yes, however, verification of benefits/coverage/eligibility is not a guarantee of coverage and or payment.  Actual payment from your insurance company is based on the terms and conditions of your insurance plan. 4. What is the wait time to see my surgeon? That depends on many factors - If your condition is a true medical emergency, you will see the doctor the same day, if not, our office will schedule an appointment as soon as possible. 5. Am I allowed to eat before my operation? Usually you can not eat or drink anything after midnight the night before your surgery, however, you will be given written instructions. 6. What medication must I discontinue before my operation? The doctor will help determine which medications you will need to discontinue prior to your surgery.  7. Will I be able to drive myself home after the operation? No, please have a designated driver to drive you home after the operation. 8. What hospitals do your doctors work with? Our doctors work at Long Beach Memorial Medical Center, St. Mary's Medical Center and San Pedro Little Company of Mary.  We also work with the Surgery Center of Long Beach, and Harriman Jones Ambulatory Surgery Centers.

Post-operative questions and answers

1. Regarding bandages, can we take them off? You may remove the large bandage only.  However, there are small steri-strips applied under those large bandages, those should be left on and only removed by the doctor. However, if they do  start to come off, it is okay to trim the edges, but DO NOT REMOVE THEM COMPLETELY! If they fall off, please do not be alarmed! You have dissolving stitches buried under the skin incision. 2. Can I take a shower? With most surgeries, it is okay for you to shower 24 hours later.  We do not advise taking a bath. Also swimming is not advisable until it is okayed by the doctor. You will be given written instructions. 3. I have developed a rash, what should I do? Contact the office as soon as possible and your doctor will be paged. 4. I & D Patients: I had a procedure done yesterday, should I still pack the wound? Yes, the wound should be kept open as long as possible. You should have a post-operative appointment in 7-10 days, sometimes sooner. If you don't have an appointment, please call our office and arrange to come in. 5. I had surgery, when should I come in for an appointment after my surgery? Most patients come back in 7-10 days after surgery.  Breast patients with drains usually come in to see the doctor in 3 days, unless otherwise specified by the doctor. 6. What can I do about constipation? Pain medication can sometimes cause constipation. You can purchase Milk of Magnesia over the counter and follow instructions on the bottle. 7. When can I drive? You can drive as soon as you stop your pain medication, also you must feel comfortable enough to drive. 8. What about the abdominal binder? If given an abdominal binder, you should wear it 24 hours a day the first couple of days. After than, when up and active, you should continue to wear it until your first post-operative appointment. 9. What about my medications after surgery? If an antibiotic is given, this should be taken until all of the medication is finished. If pain medication is given, only take as needed per label instructions. 10. Sex,  how soon can I have sex after surgery, especially hernia surgery? You should restrain from any sexual activity until you see the doctor. You can discuss it with your surgeon at the post-operative visit, (usually 7-10 days after surgery). 11. How long should I wait after surgery before I start breast feeding? It is best to wait until you finish your medications.   12. I had gallbladder surgery and now I have diarrhea problems! It is common to have diarrhea after surgery. If you do have diarrhea, it would be best to call our office and the doctor will contact you. If this does not cover your questions, please call and ask your doctor.