To help minimize risk of asymptomatic spread of COVID-19 during the time before, during and immediately after your procedure we ask that you:

• Avoid contact with others or leaving the home as much as possible prior to surgery to reduce the risk of exposure.
• Follow physical distancing and hand washing guidelines. This applies to the person who will be bringing you to and from surgery as well.  
• Pre-surgery COVID-19 testing: We want to perform your surgery in the safest possible circumstances to give you the best chance of a smooth recovery. Please check with your surgeon for the most up to date guidelines for testing prior to surgery.
• Check for the symptoms daily prior to surgery and notify us if you have any of the following : 
  • Fever greater than 100F (37.8 C) in the last 24 hours
  • New respiratory symptoms (e.g. cough, shortness of breath, respiratory distress, sore throat)

Stay Flexible
Your surgery is currently scheduled to proceed on the planned date and time, but we also have to be flexible to deal with any potential changes regarding the capacity of our hospital and providers.  We would appreciate your understanding if things change, and in return we promise to keep you informed with up to date information with what is happening here at FMH, as well as keeping your best interests at the forefront.

Under the authority of the State of Alaska, we have some strict guidelines in place that you will see immediately upon arriving at our facility.

• Two support persons may enter to facility (this is subject to change).
• Upon entering our facility you will be screened by one of staff members in the lobby.
• As an extra layer of protection, you will notice our entire staff will be wearing surgical masks.  You will also be asked to wear a surgical mask. 
• You will then be escorted to the Surgery Waiting Area to be checked in and sign appropriate paperwork.
• Please be sure to include the contact information of you designed point person.
• Our surgical staff will keep your designated point person informed of your progress.
• After you have recovered in our post anesthesia care unit (PACU), your designated person(s) will come meet you to review your post-operative care with your nurse before you go home. 
• We are happy to assist you with options on how to stay connected to your loved ones throughout your stay. 

Surgery FAQs

How and when do I get a test ordered prior to my procedure?  

• No order is required for testing. You may get tested at Capstone or through your surgeon's office within 72 hours of surgery (results should be available the day before surgery).

How do I get the results of my test?  

• If you do not hear results back please contact your provider’s office.

My employer wants a negative test before I come back to work. 

• Contact TVC 1st Care for a Telemedicine or in person visit at 907-458-2682. You can obtain a quick Telemedicine appointment with one of our providers and an order can be placed for a COVID test after being screened. Telemedicine is available Monday – Friday 8am-5pm. You can also request an appointment online by email.