Fasting Guidelines
Explicit instructions for NPO status with timings related to anesthesia; specify liquids and solid cutoff times so the anesthesia team can clear the patient safely.
Clear written instructions reduce surgical risk, support informed consent, and make postoperative recovery more predictable for both patient and care team while helping clinics meet documentation and privacy obligations under HIPAA.
Clinical staff prepare and review instructions; patients and caregivers confirm understanding and sign. These documents create a shared record of consent and readiness.
The completed instructions become part of the medical record and guide perioperative care and follow-up.
Confirm the chosen platform supports secure uploads, required authentication, and HIPAA-compliant storage before collecting electronic consent.
| Field | Configuration |
|---|---|
| Reminders | Automated 48 and 24 hour reminders |
| Authentication | Email link with optional SMS code |
| File Format | Flattened PDF for EHR upload |
| Retention | Retain per HIPAA and local policy |
Explicit instructions for NPO status with timings related to anesthesia; specify liquids and solid cutoff times so the anesthesia team can clear the patient safely.
Which medications to continue or stop, with specific timing and rationale, including anticoagulants and herbal supplements that affect bleeding risk.
Arrival time, dressing recommendations, escort requirements, and facility contact numbers to prevent day-of cancellations or delays.
Stepwise postoperative care, dressing changes, signs of infection, and when to call the clinic to reduce complications and readmissions.
Clear criteria for emergency contact or return to the ER, including severe bleeding, vision changes, or uncontrolled pain.
Explicit statement of procedure, risks, and patient initials/signature fields documenting informed consent and comprehension of alternatives.
Complete clinical review and patient education at least 7 days before procedure.
Finalize holds or changes 48–72 hours prior as advised by clinician.
Patient arrives at scheduled time with signed instructions and ID.
First postoperative check typically within 3–7 days of surgery.
A private practice standardized pre-op packets to reduce call volume and clarify expectations for patients
An outpatient clinic integrated signed forms into the EHR to ensure timely surgical clearance
| signNow | DocuSign | Adobe Sign | PandaDoc | HelloSign | |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Starting Price | $8/user/mo | $15/user/mo | $14/user/mo | $19/user/mo | $15/user/mo |
| Free Trial | 7-day free trial | Varies | Varies | Varies | Varies |
| Bulk Send | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | No |
| Audit Trail | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes | Yes |
| HIPAA Compliant | Yes | Yes | Yes | No | No |
| Envelope Cap | No envelope cap | 100 envelopes/user/year | Varies | Varies | Varies |