Healthcare: Surgical Services

Surgery Frequently Asked Questions

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How Can I Schedule an Appointment or Get More Information?

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There are three ways to schedule an appointment with one of our providers.

Baylor Medicine MyChart. MyChart is a web-based application that allows you to communicate with your surgeon regarding non-urgent questions. Through MyChart, you can also schedule or cancel appointments, view test results, and request prescription refills. You can expect a response to non-urgent questions within 24 hours or by the next business day. Visit Baylor Medicine MyChart and follow the instructions to sign up.

Phone. Call for an appointment or if you have a non-urgent question and need to speak to clinical staff at one of our clinics:

Center for Plastic Surgery (713) 798-6141
General Surgery (713) 798-4321
General Thoracic Surgery Clinic (713) 798-6376 or (855) 798-6376
Surgical Oncology Clinic (713) 798-2262
Vascular Surgery and Endovascular Therapy (713) 798-5700

Our clinics are open Monday through Friday from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m. Please note, any message left before 3 p.m. will be returned the same business day. Any message received after 3 p.m. will be returned the next business day by a member of our clinical team.

Request an Appointment Online. Request an Appointment Online is for non-urgent appointments only.

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Should I Send Clinical Information?

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To ensure you have an accurate assessment, it is important we receive specific information about your medical history from your primary care physician. Complete a Release of Information form and submit it to your primary care physician. This form will permit your doctor to receive any of the following information:

  • Clinic notes
  • Radiology imaging reports (e.g. CT scan, MRI, PET scan, X-ray)
  • Pathology/biopsy reports
  • Endoscopy notes (e.g. colonoscopy, EGD, ERCP, flexible sigmoidoscopy, EUS)
  • Surgical/procedure notes
  • Chemotherapy notes or summary (types, number of cycles)
  • Latest lab reports
  • Radiation reports
  • Cardiology reports
  • Internal medicine reports
  • Diabetes checkup reports
  • Pulmonology reports

Be sure to bring a CD of your previous imaging reports (e.g. CT scan, MRI, PET scan, X-ray) with you to your appointment. Please ask for it to be in DICOM format and with a “viewer” included on the CD so your doctor can view it the day of your visit.

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Where Is the Clinic Located?

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The Center for Plastic Surgery is located in the Jamail Specialty Center. See map.

Other clinics are located at Baylor Medicine at McNair Campus which is located at 7200 Cambridge St. 

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What Should I Bring With Me to My Appointment?

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To better serve you, please bring the following items with you to your appointment:

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Will I Receive a Bill From Baylor College of Medicine?

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Yes, you will receive a bill from Baylor College of Medicine because your physician is part of Baylor Medicine. If you are covered by an insurance plan, coverage for your surgery is verified with your insurance company before the day of surgery. A member of our billing team will notify you of the amount owed prior to your surgical procedure. If you are unable to pay for your surgery, contact the billing department at (713) 798-1900 to discuss payment options.

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Will I Receive a Second Bill From the Hospital (Baylor St. Luke’s Hospital)?

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Yes, you will receive a second bill from the hospital because it is a separate entity from Baylor. For questions regarding coverage, billing or payment options, please contact the hospital at (832) 355-5000.

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Can I Get My Medications Electronically?

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Prescription refills can be made one of three ways:

Pharmacy: Contact your local preferred pharmacy.

Baylor Medicine MyChart: Submit a request through Baylor Medicine MyChart to refill out medications.

Call the clinic: A member of our clinical team can assist you with refilling your medication. Any message left before 3 p.m. will be returned the same business day. Any message received after 3 p.m. will be returned the next business day by a member of our clinical team.

Please note that your surgeon can only refill medications s/he prescribed for you. If you need to refill a medication prescribed to you by a different physician, contact the ordering physician’s office with your medication request. If you would like to add a new medication, schedule an appointment for an office visit with your care provider.

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Will I Be Given Post-Opt Instructions?

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Yes. You should receive discharge instructions provided to you by your physician’s care team that could include that you:

  • Do not soak in a bathtub, hot tub, or swim until the incision heals completely and staples are removed.
  • Shower every day. Clean your incision with mild soap and water. Pat the area dry with a clean towel. You do not need a bandage unless otherwise instructed.
  • Do not apply any ointments or creams to your incision. If your clothing is irritating, you may cover your incision with a dry gauze pad.
  • Call your physician's office if you experience any increased pain, swelling, warmth, redness, or drainage from your incision site(s), temperature greater than 100.4F, increased abdominal pain, bloating, nausea, vomiting, or persistent diarrhea.
  • Call 911, if you experience any chest pain or shortness of breath.
  • Resume your usual diet and medications, as prescribed.
  • Do not drive or return to work until your surgeon determines when it’s appropriate.