Many patients travel from outside Bend and Central Oregon for evaluation or surgery. If you are coming from out of the area, planning ahead can make the process significantly smoother and less stressful.
This page is designed to help you prepare for travel, surgery, and early recovery away from home.
Should You Stay Overnight?
For patients traveling long distances, an overnight stay is often recommended — especially after surgery.
You may benefit from staying locally if you:
- Live more than 1–2 hours away
- Are having shoulder replacement or more involved surgery
- Will not have strong support at home immediately
- Are traveling during winter weather months
If you are unsure, discuss this with our team during surgical planning. We will give straightforward guidance based on the procedure and your situation.
Lodging Options
Many patients choose to stay in Bend for 1–3 nights around the time of surgery. When arranging lodging, consider:
Proximity
Staying near the surgery center or clinic makes follow-up visits easier and reduces stressful travel immediately after surgery. Surgeries are typically done either at the St. Charles Medical Center in Bend( 2500 NE Neff Rd, Bend, OR 97701) or Redmond (1253 NW Canal Blvd, Redmond, OR 97756).
Ground-floor or elevator access
This is especially important after shoulder or knee procedures when mobility may be limited.
Support person accommodations
You will need a responsible adult with you after surgery. Choose lodging that is comfortable for both of you.
Winter travel considerations
Snow and ice are common in Central Oregon. Staying locally for the first postoperative night can reduce risk and improve comfort.
If helpful, our staff can provide commonly used hotel areas or suggestions during scheduling.
Traveling the Day of Surgery
Plan for:
- A driver who can stay with you the entire day
- Extra travel time for weather or road conditions
- Comfortable, loose clothing
- Easy access to medications and instructions for the ride home
You will not be able to drive yourself home after anesthesia.
Support Person Planning
If you are traveling, bringing a reliable support person is essential. This person should be able to:
- Stay with you the first 24 hours after surgery
- Help with medications and meals
- Assist with dressing, mobility, or sling management
- Communicate with our office if concerns arise
For patients who live alone, consider arranging help in advance for the first several days after returning home.
Early Recovery Logistics
Before traveling home, make sure you:
- Understand your medication plan
- Have written postoperative instructions
- Know when your follow-up visit will occur (in-person or virtual)
- Have a clear contact number for questions or concerns - This is located in your pre-operative packet.
For longer-distance patients, portions of follow-up care can often be coordinated with local providers when appropriate.
Weather and Seasonal Planning
Central and Eastern Oregon travel can be unpredictable, particularly in winter months. If surgery is planned between late fall and early spring:
- Build flexibility into travel timing
- Consider arriving the day before surgery
- Discuss weather concerns with our team in advance
Planning ahead reduces unnecessary stress and improves safety.
Questions About Travel or Lodging?
If you are coming from outside the Bend area, let our team know early in the process. We can help you think through timing, lodging considerations, and what to expect after surgery.
Our goal is to make the experience as smooth and predictable as possible — even if you are traveling a long distance for care.