Before and After Joint Replacement Surgery

Medical advances over the last two decades have made joint replacement surgeries much easier, resulting in smoother recoveries, better outcomes and shorter hospital stays. In fact, many people who have a joint replacement leave the hospital the same day.

For the best outcomes and a smooth recovery, we encourage you to:  

• Learn about your surgery ahead of time.  
• Choose a surgery coach to support you during and after your procedure. This is usually a family member or friend.
• Get any equipment you might need and make changes around your house so it’s easier for you when you get home.

Preparing for Joint Replacement Surgery

We encourage you to review our pre-surgery educational materials, which include:

• A pre-op video series, which shares an overview of how to prepare for surgery, what to expect while you are at Overlake Medical Center and steps for successful recovery at home.
• Information about surgical pre-admission including how to prepare for surgery, medications and answers to frequently asked questions.

This information can help you feel less anxious and more prepared going into surgery, and more equipped to manage pain after surgery. 

Parking and Checking In

• Park in Garage 3 or 4. View our campus map and parking instructions.
• Valet parking is available Monday-Friday for $7 or for $2 with a disabled parking permit.
• Check in for your surgery at the Main Hospital, Building 2 (Orange) Main Surgery-L2.

Insurance and Billing

• Billing questions and estimates: The Patient Financial Services team at Overlake Medical Center’s business office is available to go over your insurance coverage and estimate your hospital bills for your surgery. Call 425-688-5124, Monday through Friday, 9 a.m. – 3 p.m.
• Insurance Accepted: Overlake Medical Center accepts most major private insurance plans as well as Medicare FFS, Medicare Advantage and Apple Health. Learn more about insurance.

What to Expect After Joint Replacement Surgery

After surgery, you can expect our team to get you sitting up and walking as soon as possible.

Early movement is essential to a successful outcome after joint replacement surgery. And that’s why you and your surgery coach will meet with a physical therapist (PT) to begin your rehabilitation program–while you’re still in the hospital. Meeting with a PT soon after surgery will help give you the confidence you need to go home safely.

Rehabilitation After Joint Replacement Surgery

After you leave the hospital, you and your outpatient physical therapist will continue to work toward your full recovery. Many people see their PT weekly or even more often. You and your surgeon will decide the best schedule and plan for you.

After your PT appointments, be sure to continue your exercise plan at home. The more you commit to your PT "homework," the better you'll be able to move in the future.

Staying Comfortable Through Recovery

Surgery and recovery aren’t painless, but our team is highly committed to helping you manage your pain. Our proven pain management strategies include:

• Multimodal analgesia, which uses combinations of pain medications to manage pain effectively.
• Continuous nerve block for pain relief, when appropriate.
• Opioid-sparing strategies to reduce the risk of becoming dependent on opioids.

We strive to manage your pain with nonopioid medications and interventions. But sometimes opioids are necessary to control severe pain. But these powerful pain medications should only be taken:

• As prescribed.
• As needed.
• For a short time.

When you no longer need opioid medications, it’s important to know how to properly dispose of them. Learn more about the risks of taking opioids. 

Total Joint Helpline

Our Total Joint Replacement Helpline at 425-688-5579 is a nonemergency line where you can leave a message for your care team and ask questions about your total hip or total knee replacement surgery.

We check messages Monday through Friday during business hours and typically return calls within one business day.

Note: If you have questions about medications, need a prescription refill or need information related to your clinic appointment, please call your surgeon’s office directly.