2560 SAMARITAN DRIVE, LAS CRUCES, NM 88001 • 1-800-421-8274

Preparing for Your Visit

At Three Crosses Regional Hospital, your comfort is important. It’s also important that you have access to timely and accurate information. Our patient portal will help you find answers so you can be prepared for a hospital stay or a doctor’s appointment.

Out of Town Travelers

For out of town travelers, check for hotels, restaurants, airports, pharmacies and local transportation.

Preparing for Your Hospital Stay

Whether you need care that is routine or complex, you’ve come to the right place. At Three Crosses Regional Hospital, we are dedicated to providing you with the very best care and services.

Our team of experts applies the most advanced technical expertise in a compassionate, friendly environment. Using the latest technology and medical advancements, we work to ensure you receive high-quality, coordinated care.

You will benefit as our interdisciplinary team works together, applying care that is proven to be effective and ensures the best outcomes. We understand that the time before your hospital stay may be stressful for you and your family. That’s why we want to help you prepare for it. We’ll help you understand your condition and answer questions about what to expect during your hospital stay and recovery.

Admissions

Before you’re admitted to Three Crosses Regional Hospital, you’ll want to make sure you contact your insurance provider at least 24 hours before your planned check-in time to obtain referrals or authorizations, if required. Many insurance companies have strict guidelines about covered services, where you can receive them and which physicians can provide them. Even though our admissions offices will contact your insurance company, there may be information only you can provide. Safe healthcare is essential. Your health can’t wait. Our enhanced safety measures during the COVID-19 pandemic ensure you get the care you need while keeping you safe.

Checking In

For check-in, you will need your photo identification, insurance card, prescription card and referral information.

Special Tips

  • If you have any problems, please contact your physician
  • You will receive a telephone call following surgery from one of our nurses to inquire about your recovery and well-being. If you have any concerns, please discuss them with the nurse.
  • Please limit the number of people accompanying you to two(2). Children under 12 are not allowed in surgical care areas.
  • Talk to your surgeon about what to expect. Check with your physician about what to do the morning of your surgery regarding your medication.
  • Complete One Medical Passport preferable no later than 72 hours prior to your procedure.
  • If you become sick, develop a fever, cold, sore throat, upset bowels, have other health issues come up, or have any questions about the surgery please contact your surgeon.
  • Do not take herbal medication for at least fourteen (14) days before your surgery.
  • No smoking at least 12 hours before surgery. Ideally, cut down or stop smoking as soon as possible prior to the day of surgery.
  • Arrange for a responsible adult to accompany you to the hospital, remain at the hospital during the procedure, and drive you home.

Follow the general surgery instructions provided to you, or as ordered by your physician. Food or liquid in your stomach may cause sickness after anesthesia, or could cause major issues during surgery.

  • Bathe or shower to reduce the chance of infection. Do not shave the surgical area for 24 hours before surgery.
  • If you normally take your blood pressure medication in the morning, take it with a small sip of water.
  • DO NOT use gum, mints, candy, chewing tobacco, snuff or smoke any products
  • Do not were makeup, artificial nails or nail polish. Leave all valuables at home including jewelry, body jewelry, and watch etc.
  • Please wear loose fitting comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes.
  • Come to the main entrance of the hospital and check in at the front reception at the assigned time you were asked to arrive.
  • You will register with the admitting office (if not previously done) and then be escorted to the preoperative area to meet the pre-op nurses and anesthesia staff to discuss your anesthetic and post-operative pain management.
  • Check your blood glucose if you are diabetic and check it routinely.
  • If you have a cold, a fever of 100F or higher, a skin rash or an infection of any kind, notify your physician before surgery.
  • If you use a CPAP/biPAP machine at home, bring it and its accessories with you to use while at the hospital.
  • Please wear loose fitting comfortable clothing and comfortable shoes.
  • Bring something to occupy your time. Bring a favorite book, or toy for your child.
  • If you wear glasses, contacts, or hearing aids, bring along a case in which to store them during your surgery.
  • If you wear dentures or removable bridgework, etc. remove them before survey or as directed by anesthesia.
  • Bring all your medications in their original containers.
  • If you will be staying overnight, bring a robe, slippers, and basic toiletries. You may wear your own sleepwear. Bring clothes to wear home.

You must have a responsible adult with you to drive you home. You should not drive or operate machinery for 24 hours following anesthesia.