Patient Resources & FAQ
Welcome to Dr. Baker Henson's surgical practice at Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist. We want your surgical journey to be as smooth and stress-free as possible. Please use the resources below to prepare for your appointment and upcoming procedure.
New Patient Forms
To save time on the day of your consultation, please download, print, and fill out these forms before you arrive at the clinic.
📄 Download New Patient Packet 📄 Download Medical History Form*If you use Atrium Health's MyChart portal, you may be able to complete these securely online prior to your visit.
General Pre-Operative Checklist
- Insurance & Authorization: Our team will work with your insurance provider to obtain any necessary pre-authorizations for your surgery.
- Medication Review: Bring a complete list of all medications, vitamins, and supplements to your consultation. You will be instructed on which ones to stop (such as blood thinners or NSAIDs) a week before surgery.
- Transportation: You must arrange for a responsible adult to drive you home after surgery. You cannot drive yourself after receiving anesthesia.
- Fasting: Absolutely no food or drink after midnight the night before your surgery.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
It depends on your insurance plan. Many PPO plans allow you to book directly with a specialist, while HMO plans often require a referral from your Primary Care Physician. If you are seeking Bariatric surgery, your insurance may have specific prerequisite requirements. Please call our office at 828-327-9178, and our staff will be happy to help you verify.
Yes. Robotic-assisted surgery is billed the same way as traditional laparoscopic surgery. If your insurance covers the specific procedure (e.g., hernia repair or gallbladder removal), they cover the robotic approach.
Many procedures, including robotic hernia repairs, gallbladder removals, and minor anorectal surgeries, are performed on an outpatient basis (you go home the same day). More complex procedures, like Bariatric surgery or colon resections, usually require a 1-to-3-night hospital stay so we can monitor your recovery safely.
This varies significantly based on your procedure and your profession. Desk workers can often return to work within 1 to 2 weeks. If your job involves heavy lifting, you may be on restricted duty for 4 to 6 weeks. Walking is encouraged immediately, but heavy core exercises and lifting must be avoided until you are medically cleared.
If you are experiencing a life-threatening medical emergency, please dial 911 or go to the nearest emergency room. For urgent post-operative concerns after office hours, please call the main clinic number to be connected with the Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist on-call surgical provider.