DR. PAUL GRAY's patient INFO center
Hi, I'm Bea!
I'm Dr. Paul Gray's assistant and I can't wait to meet you.
I'm here to guide you through your entire journey to wellness.
So let's get started!
First, give me a call so I can answer any questions, schedule your care session, and get all the details the doctor will need.
KNOW BEFORE YOU GO
What To Expect At Your First Visit
Don't worry! I'm here to make sure your care session goes smoothly.
Here's a few things to know:
- PARKING // We recommend using the Harris Center parking garage. Access the parking garage by taking Pennsylvania Avenue to Sixth Avenue, turn south onto Sixth Avenue, go one block to Pruitt Street and turn left. Harris Center parking garage is on the left side at the end of block. Take the garage elevator to Ground Floor and you will be in our building lobby. The elevators to our office are across the lobby.
- COVID 19 PROCEDURES // Telemedicine visits are available, when appropriate. Please let us know if you would prefer this! For in-person visits, we make every effort to schedule efficiently to limit the number of people in the waiting room and the seating in the waiting room is appropriately spaced. For the safety of all, you will be expected to wear a mask while in the facility. Our staff will also be using appropriate infectious disease precautions.
- MEET THE DOCTOR // Dr. Gray loves his patients and insists on personally meeting each one! He'll discuss your condition, answer any questions you may have, and make a health plan.
- INSURANCE // Your health is important to us and we don't want insurance questions to get in the way! We accept certain insurances. No insurance? No problem! We offer discounts for cash pay patients so you get the care you need.
Help us help you faster!
Download and complete the paperwork we'll need before you come. No printer? No problem. You can always fill them out here.
GOT QUESTIONS? WE'VE GOT ANSWERS
FAQ: GENERAL
What insurance plans do you accept?
We accept most major insurance plans. But due to the complexity of the available plans and changing environments, please call if you have any questions so that we can ensure we accept your particular plan.
How soon can I have surgery?
We strive to provide your needed surgery as soon as possible. Most of the time, this can be done in three weeks or sooner.
Where do you perform surgeries?
We take care of patients at a variety of facilities.
If an inpatient hospital stay is required, we provide services at either Texas Health Resources (THR) Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth or Baylor Scott & White (BSW) All Saints Hospital.
For outpatient surgery, we provide services at Park Hill Surgery Center, Baylor Surgical Hospital, and Baylor Surgicare.
For outpatient services, we use THR Harris Methodist Hospital and BSW All Saints Hospital.
If an inpatient hospital stay is required, we provide services at either Texas Health Resources (THR) Harris Methodist Hospital Fort Worth or Baylor Scott & White (BSW) All Saints Hospital.
For outpatient surgery, we provide services at Park Hill Surgery Center, Baylor Surgical Hospital, and Baylor Surgicare.
For outpatient services, we use THR Harris Methodist Hospital and BSW All Saints Hospital.
Where do I park when visiting the office?
We recommend using the Harris Center parking garage. Access the parking garage by taking Pennsylvania Avenue to Sixth Avenue, turn south onto Sixth Avenue, go one block to Pruitt Street and turn left. Harris Center parking garage is on the left side at the end of block. Take the garage elevator to Ground Floor and you will be in our building lobby. The elevators to our office are across the lobby.
GOT MORE QUESTIONS?
GOT QUESTIONS? WE'VE GOT ANSWERS
FAQ: Before The Operation
What time should I be at the hospital or surgery center?
For Harris Hospital:
- Day of surgery: Arrive 2 hours prior to surgery and check in at Hospital main registration in the Richardson Pavilion, directly across drive, south of our building
- Pre-op visit: Check in at main registration (as above) 30 minutes prior to your scheduled appointment. It is not necessary to be fasting for this appointment
- Parking: Parking for surgery and pre-op is available in the Harris Center parking garage (see directions above)
For Park Hill Surgery Center, Baylor Surgical Hospital, Harris Outpatient Surgery Center and Fort Worth Surgery Center:
- Day of surgery: arrive 1.5 hours prior to surgery and check in at the facility's front desk
- Pre-op visit: facility will contact patient to schedule time for pre-op
- Parking: Park Hill Surgery Center, Baylor Surgical Hospital and Fort Worth Surgery Center all have flat parking lots adjacent to facilities. Harris Outpatient Surgery Center is located in the Ben Hogan Tower on Harris Hospital campus and has a 2 level parking garage directly across street from the main entrance on Fifth Avenue
When should I stop eating and drinking before surgery?
Unless otherwise directed, you should not eat or drink after midnight before your scheduled surgery, except to take your scheduled medications with a sip of water.
Should I take my usual medications on the day of surgery?
Unless otherwise instructed, you should plan to take your usual medications on the day of surgery. There are occasionally medications that your anesthesiologist will ask you to hold on the day of surgery. This will be addressed in your pre-anesthesia assessment visit. In general, you will NOT take any blood thinners or anti-platelet medications.
What if I have questions before the day of surgery?
Please call the office and we will answer all your questions.
I take blood thinners. What should I do around the time of surgery?
Dr. Gray will discuss the plan for stopping your blood thinners, if indicated, before surgery. Sometimes you can simply stop your medication for a designated number of days before surgery. Sometimes you should also take a bridging medication until the day of your surgery.
I take aspirin, Plavix, or other platelet inhibitors. What should I do around the time of surgery?
Dr. Gray will discuss the plan for stopping your platelet inhibitor before surgery. In general, you should stop taking the medication one week before surgery.
GOT MORE QUESTIONS?
SURGERY SESSION EXPLAINED
What To Expect At Your Surgery Session
Whether at the hospital or the surgery center, Dr. Gray will first go over the plan and answer any questions you may have.
After the procedure, he will give you a personalized Recovery Plan with specific instructions to help you get better faster that you can take home with you.
For inpatients who will be staying in the hospital, Dr. Gray will personally see you each day.
after the operation
What To Expect At Your Follow Up Session
Dr. Gray will personally see you at his office about two weeks after your procedure to discuss how the recovery is going and make any adjustments needed.
In most cases, this is the only follow up session you'll need and you'll be well on your way to fully recovering! If any additional visits are needed, I'll get those scheduled.
Of course, Dr. Gray is available if anything changes and you need to be seen again.
GOT QUESTIONS? WE'VE GOT ANSWERS
FAQ: After The Operation
When will I be seen again in the clinic for follow up?
Dr. Gray will discuss with you when to follow up. Most people are seen two to three weeks after going home.
What can I expect with pain control after surgery?
Both in the hospital and after going home, we emphasize a multimodality approach to pain management. You will generally receive a local anesthetic during your procedure to help in the first few hours after surgery. For pain medications, you may be prescribed anti-inflammatory medications and narcotic medications as needed to control your pain.
Much of your postoperative pain will be inflammatory in nature. So, anti-inflammatory medications are helpful to improve the source of your pain. Narcotics are helpful to reduce the sending of pain messages to your brain and thus reduce the feelings of pain. Depending on your unique medical conditions, certain types of anti-inflammatory medications may not be appropriate for you. Dr. Gray will discuss this with you.
Narcotics come with side effects, one of which is constipation. This constipation can become debilitating, so limiting narcotic use as able is helpful for your recovery.
Much of your postoperative pain will be inflammatory in nature. So, anti-inflammatory medications are helpful to improve the source of your pain. Narcotics are helpful to reduce the sending of pain messages to your brain and thus reduce the feelings of pain. Depending on your unique medical conditions, certain types of anti-inflammatory medications may not be appropriate for you. Dr. Gray will discuss this with you.
Narcotics come with side effects, one of which is constipation. This constipation can become debilitating, so limiting narcotic use as able is helpful for your recovery.
How do I take care of my incisions?
Dr. Gray will discuss your particular case with you. In general, if glue has been applied as a dressing to your incisions, you may shower with soap and water the day after surgery. Please refrain from bathing or swimming for at least one week after surgery. If other types of dressings are used or you have staples in your incision, your surgeon will discuss your incision care. Generally, you should keep the incision clean and dry for at least two days. After that, you may shower with soap and water.
What warning signs should I look for after surgery to notify my surgeon?
General warning signs to notify Dr. Gray include: fever, redness or drainage from wounds, or worsening pain. Depending on your specific operation, there may be additional warning signs and your surgeon will discuss this with you. And, of course, if you have any concerns, please call.
What can I do to avoid or improve constipation after surgery?
Try to limit any narcotic intake. Please remember that the goal of postoperative management is tolerable pain, not the complete absence of pain. If you are taking any narcotic medications, please take a stool softener to ensure at least one non-strained bowel movement per day. Possible over-the-counter stool softener options include: miralax, dulcolax, colace, milk of magnesia, etc.
If I go home with a surgical drain, how do I care for it?
You will receive instruction in drain care from the nursing staff before your discharge. Keep the drain site clean and dry. Empty your drain bulb at least once per day, and as needed if it fills up. Measure the output each time you empty the drain bulb and record the amount. Though individual cases may vary, we generally look to have less than 30-40 ml per day before removing the drain. There are instances where the drain can be removed sooner or need to stay in longer. Dr. Gray will discuss this decision with you.
When can I return to work?
This will depend on the extent of your operation and Dr. Gray will discuss this with you. In general, you may return to work when your pain and function have improved to the point you feel you can safely perform your job. For most operations, you should plan to be limited to non-strenuous activity (light duty, no lifting greater than 15-20 lbs) for 2-4 weeks, depending on your operation.
