Don't Forget

We want your visit to The Bonati Institute to be as pleasant as possible. With that in mind, we offer the following ideas and suggestions:

What to expect:

  • A caring, committed staff
  • Excellent care
  • Individual attention
  • Minimally invasive surgery
  • Quick recovery time
  • Three to five days of physical therapy after surgery
  • A campus that includes diagnostic, surgical and physical therapy facilities on site
  • Information on arranging living accommodations and car rentals

What to do:

  • Make sure the MRIs and X-rays you send to The Bonati Insitute are recent. They should have been taken within the past six months.
  • Fill out all forms as completely as possible and bring them with you.
  • Contact previous patients on the reference list to get an idea of what their stay was like.
  • Make a list of questions for the staff so you will be as well-informed as possible.
  • Do not send deposits ahead of time. Bring them with you.
  • Call scheduling at 1-800-330-4262, ext. 206, with a local contact number as soon as possible so we can reach you when you get to the Tampa Bay area.

What to bring:

  • A companion who can stay with you on the day of surgery as well as on that first night. You will not be operated upon if you do not have a companion with you. However, if you do not have someone who is able to stay with you during your visit, we can arrange for a home health aide to stay with you.
  • A list of telephone numbers of people at home so you can contact them as you need to
  • A list of medications that you are currently taking, including dosages and instructions for their use
  • All medications that you are taking
  • Comfortable clothes. Sweat suits and T-shirts as well as non-binding slacks. Bring a sweater or sweatshirt as well. If you are having a cervical procedure, you might want to bring a top that buttons or zips up rather than one that is pulled over your head. You also might want to consider slip-on shoes rather than ones that tie since they'll be easier to put on and take off.
  • A bathing suit for hydrotherapy, which is an important part of your follow-up physical therapy and pain management
  • Items that will help you pass the time, such as books, laptop computer, cards or knitting.