Karen J. Sundby M.D.

Colorado’s skin care expert

Surgery Information

Preparing for Surgery

THE MORNING OF SURGERY

The day of surgery, we suggest that you eat a normal breakfast, unless otherwise specified. Please bathe or shower and wash your hair to minimize your risk of surgical site infection.

MEDICAL HISTORY

Upon arrival at our office you will be asked to complete a medical history form. Please bring a list of medications and illnesses. Please plan to arrive at least 30 minutes before your scheduled appointment to fill out your medical history form.

MEDICATIONS

Continue all medications prescribed by your doctor including blood thinners like Coumadin or aspirin. However, if you are taking aspirin, ibuprofen, or herbal supplements without your doctors’ orders for a medical condition, please discontinue them 10 days prior to your surgery appointment (including Anacin, Bufferin, Excedrin, Alka Seltzer, Percodan, Advil, Aleve, Motrin, Oral Vitamin E & Ginko Biloba). You may take Tylenol if needed for pain. Alcohol will also promote bleeding, so avoid alcoholic beverages 48 hours before surgery. Please avoid wearing make-up, perfume, nail polish and jewelry.

TRANSPORTATION

It is necessary that you arrange to have a companion drive you to and from the doctor’s office, because the doctor may give you a mild sedative. You may also be more comfortable with someone to keep you company in the reception area.

After Surgery

FOLLOW UP APPOINTMENTS

Usually one return visit is all that is needed to examine the healed surgical site or to remove your surgical dressings. Afterwards, you may return to your referring dermatologist for routine check-ups. A follow-up period of four years for the treated skin cancer is essential. After having one skin cancer, statistics show you have a higher chance of developing a second skin cancer. You should have your skin checked by your referring dermatologist at least once a year for four years not only to examine the treated skin cancer, but also to check for new skin cancers.

PROTECT YOURSELF

The best protection from skin cancer is to avoid the harmful ultraviolet rays of the sun. Even if you tan easily, the sun can contribute to skin cancer in two ways. First, sunlight damages genes that control cell growth, and second, sunlight damages the body’s immune system so that early cancers grow unchecked by the normal immune defense.

Use any sunscreen with a sun protection factor (SPF) of at least 30 and preferably with UVA/UVB protection when you spend any time in the sun. Avoid sun exposure during mid-day hours (10 a.m. to 4 p.m.) Do not stay outdoors unprotected on cloudy days since ultraviolet light penetrates easily through the clouds. If you follow this advice, it may not be necessary to restrict your outdoor activities or change your lifestyle.

Need More Information?

Get answers to our most common questions by visiting our FAQs page. If you’re looking to access your account, you can also access your portal, update your documents, or make a payment by clicking below.

Patient/Insurance Billing

Please be sure to bring your current insurance cards with you to each visit. We will need to keep a copy in your records. You can check your insurance coverage by calling the phone number on the back of your card to check participation status for Karen J. Sundby, M.D.

You will be asked on the day of your appointment to pay for any services not covered by your insurance. Expenses not covered include deductible, co-insurance, co-pay amounts, occasionally office visits and cosmetic procedures. Payments may be made by cash, check or credit card.

If prior authorization or referral is required, please contact your insurance company or your primary care physician at least one week prior to your appointment. Let them know the following: You are having Mohs Surgery performed in an office setting.

Procedure Code 17311 or 17313

We would not want anyone to be denied medical care because of an inability to pay. If you have difficulties understanding or paying your bill, we encourage you to discuss your problem with our billing office staff.

Download our brochure for more information.