Surgery—FAQs

At Northwest Community Hospital, we want you to be as informed as possible before your surgical procedure. So, before you arrive for your back surgery, breast surgery, gastrointestinal surgery, gallbladder surgery, heart surgery, orthopedic surgery or any other general surgery you are having at NCH, please read through the following FAQs.

How do I register?

A registration representative will call you prior to surgery to pre-register you for your procedure. If necessary, you can contact the pre-registration department at 847.618.3775.

Where should I go?

For outpatient surgery at the Day Surgery Center—please go to Entrance 3 on the day of your surgical procedure. The Day Surgery Center is located on the north end of Northwest Community Hospital. When you arrive, please check in with the receptionist in the lobby. View the campus map.

For surgery at the main operating room (inpatient or outpatient)—please go directly to the North Pavilion, Entrance 2, to the receptionist's desk on the second floor via the north elevators. View the campus map.

Where can I park?

For surgery at the Day Surgery Center, you can park for free at the covered Visitor Garage and go to Entrance 3. For surgery in the main OR, you can park for free in the Busse Garage and go to Entrance 2. There are canopied areas in front of both entrances if you need to be dropped off while someone parks your car. Free valet parking is also available between 6 am–6 pm at Entrance 2 of the North Pavilion. View the campus map.

What should I bring on the day of surgery?

• Your insurance card
• If you are staying overnight, your personal toiletries, pajamas, robe and slippers with backs and rubber soles
• A written referral from your doctor
• Any advance medical directives if you have prepared them
• A pre-certification number from your health plan
• Your copayment (Visa, MasterCard and Discover Card are accepted)
• All of the current medications you are taking in their original bottles—this includes prescriptions, over-the-counter medicines, herbal supplements and vitamins
• A list of your allergies
• Glasses case or contact lens case (if needed)
• Any post-operative equipment if instructed by your surgeon (such as crutches, walker or orthopedic boot)

What if I have special transportation needs?

Northwest Community Hospital provides an affordable, accessible NCH Courtesy Van, available Mon–Fri, 6:30 am–5:30 pm, for individuals who are traveling to or from the hospital campus for medical reasons. For more information, call 847.618.6480. The fee is $5 cash and the boundaries are Route 22 to the north, Cook/DuPage line to the south, Route 59 to the west and I-294 to the east. Facilities are wheelchair accessible.

What will happen after my surgery?

For health and safety reasons, if you are an outpatient, you will not be allowed to drive yourself home following your surgery. Therefore, please make arrangements for someone to drive you home. It is also strongly advised that you arrange to have someone stay with you for 24 hours following your surgery.

How can I find out about home care?

Most patients are referred through their physicians; however you may request services directly if you have difficulty leaving your home and require intermittent and skilled health care. For more information, call 847.618.7800 or visit our Home Care section.

How can I learn more about physical therapy?

Your doctor may recommend physical rehabilitation therapy. For more information, call 847.618.3550 or visit our Physical Medicine & Rehabilitation section. A physician's order is required to schedule an appointment. To schedule an appointment, call 847.618.3700.

Patient representative

To reach a patient representative regarding any problems you encounter during your time at Northwest Community Hospital, call 847.618.4390. If you are calling from within our facilities, dial 4390.

For a physician referral, please call HealthConnection at 847.618.4YOU (4968), or view our list of Northwest Community Hospital surgeons.